Wetzsteinstollen Mine

The sandstone found in this area has been quarried in many small stone quarries since the 16th century. Normal sandstone was used for building houses, the only thick, particularly fine and hard layer was processed at home into whetstones, which were then sold at a profit. Gradually the whetstone quarries operated by the community of Jux were exhausted. In order to keep production going, the decision was made in March 1881 to dig into the mountain.

This is how the whetstone tunnel, which is unique in Germany, was created (wetzsteinstollen.de). Production was stopped around 1920 and the tunnel was closed by blasting. In 2001 the tunnel was rediscovered by members of the tourist association and uncovered a year later.

The tunnel was expanded as a visitor mine, opened on September 30, 2012 and now provides information about the history and technology of whetstone making. A guided tour is offered every 1st Sunday of the month at 1.45pm and at 3.30pm. Regardless of this, the mining nature trail is very interesting and also offers a nice hike.
Source: opencaching.de/viewcache.php?cacheid=164882&print=y&log=N&nocrypt=0

The tunnel served until 1922 to a about 30-50 cm thick layer in silica sandstone with special properties to reduce. This sandstone is particularly suitable for the production of whetstones due to its high strength and good sanding properties. See -> wetzsteinstollen.de/geschichte.html

Lovingly preserved tunnel with a rail system for sliding trolleys. There so-called whetstones for sharpening all kinds of blades were promoted. Every now and then there are even guided tours! An idyllic place