The Erzbahn in Schönborn-Dreiwerden near Chemnitz is one of the oldest historical mining railways in Germany. From 1858, the ores from the mine were transported with a pony-lorenbahn (a pony pulled three hunts) to the ore wash 600 m away. For this purpose, the route, which runs about 10 m above the banks of the Zschopau, was mostly carved into the rock. Even a short tunnel was driven up for this purpose. As early as 1885, the mine was closed again, the railway was closed and the tracks were dismantled.
The route survived as a hiking trail. In 1998, the association began with the reconstruction of the Erzbahn, but now for passenger transport and with vehicles from ex Wismut stocks. Regular passenger services have been available since 2004.
The historic museum railway from the time of the silver mining in Dreiwerden runs with original mining passenger cars at 600m on a dirt track track through the rocky Zschopautal.
It is operated by the "Promotional Circle for Historical Mining in the Middle Zschopautal Sachsen e.V." in its own direction and leisure time. It is fun for children and hikers and a popular excursion destination in Saxony.
