History and tradition

The area was initially settled in the mid-12th century when peasants came here from around the River Main in Franconia.

The year 1168 was a historic date for the Ore Mountains. It was the year when the first silver ore was unearthed on the village lands of Christiansdorf, which was later to become Freiberg. The great “Berggeschrey” (silver rush) sparked another inflow of people to this rich region, in the first place from around Goslar by the Harz mountains. Until that time, the Ore Mountains had been nothing but a “Miriquidi”, a large, dark woodland whose present name was derived from the silver found there.

Many historic relics survive today, telling us about the diligence and creativity of the local people.

Over the centuries, the former mining region has evolved into a multi-faceted economic region. Even today, the mining tradition is a lasting influence. Over the centuries, the Ore Mountains have seen a degree of industrialization as is not often found in mountainous areas. Mining silver and tin, as well as arsenic, lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, uranium, bismuth, and zinc, was the most important source of income for the mountain-dwellers for a very long time. Periods of prosperity alternated with periods of decline. Making bobbin lace and passementerie as well as wood carving were to become the basis of people’s subsistence. Before long, important trade routes formed economic links between Annaberg (western Ore Mountains), Dresden and Bohemia.

In addition, the Ore Mountains have been known as an economic region of great innovativeness, for many inventions originate here.

Innovation and tradition have at all times been two characteristics of the Ore Mountains; and even today traditions are part of people’s lives in this modern region, for the Erzgebirger, the highlanders, will not forget where they are rooted, despite high-tech and innovation.