Culture · Nature
Nickel Museum Hopfriesen in the Obertal
approx. 1 hour · any number · Free8,4 km
Before Schladming became famous for its pistes and cross-country trails, miners dug here for silver, copper — and nickel. At the head of the Obertal valley, where the paths to the Eschachalm branch off, stands the Hopfriesen smelting furnace from 1840, the last surviving smelting works for non-ferrous metals in the entire Eastern Alps. Right next to it awaits the Nickel Museum: a glazed, walk-in display case set amid the mountain scenery of the Schladminger Tauern. The exhibition 'Geröstete Steine und gestochene Speise' (Roasted Stones and Tapped Melt) shows you what nickel was once used for and is still used for today — with free admission.
What awaits you
The Nickel Museum is designed as one large walk-in display case — architecture and landscape merge here in a delightful way. The permanent exhibition 'Geröstete Steine und gestochene Speise' spans the arc from the arduous ore extraction of the 19th century to modern uses of the metal, from tea caddies to prostheses. Outside, you can explore the listed smelting furnace from 1840, and for children there is a specially built small mining tunnel to crawl into and discover.
Opening times & admission
Admission is free (as of July 2026). The museum is staffed from the end of May to mid-October, on Wednesday and Friday mornings from around 9:30 am to 1:30 pm — on these days you'll also get fascinating explanations about the mining history of the Obertal. Outside these times, the historic smelting furnace can be viewed from the outside at any time, for example as a stop on the smelting furnace circular trail. You'll find current information at wildewasser.at.
Getting there from Schladming
By car, drive via Rohrmoos into the Obertal and follow the Obertalstraße up the valley to the Hopfriesen car park — around 10 kilometres, about 20 minutes. From there, a small bridge crosses the crystal-clear Obertalbach directly to the museum. The drive through the wildly romantic valley is an experience in itself, and even with low-hanging clouds, the scenery at the head of the valley has a charm all of its own.
Insider tips
Combine your visit with the smelting furnace circular trail, a short, family-friendly themed path along the Obertalbach — it works well even in a rain jacket. Children love the small mining tunnel next to the museum. Afterwards, a stop at one of the huts in the Obertal is worthwhile, for instance on the way to the Eschachalm. If you want to learn more about mining in Schladming, add the town museum in the Bruderladehaus on another day — the perfect complement.
- Last surviving non-ferrous metal smelting furnace in the Eastern Alps (1840)
- Walk-in glass display case in the Schladminger Tauern
- Small children's mining tunnel to explore
- Free admission
Tip: The museum is only staffed on Wednesday and Friday mornings — plan your visit accordingly. The short smelting furnace circular trail along the Obertalbach is worth it even in drizzle, and afterwards you can warm up in a nearby hut.
Getting there: From Schladming via Rohrmoos into the Obertal to the Hopfriesen car park (Obertalstraße) — approx. 10 km, around 20 minutes, then a few minutes on foot across the small bridge.
Price: Free admission; open from the end of May to mid-October, on Wednesday and Friday mornings (approx. 9:30 am–1:30 pm). As of July 2026.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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location & directions.
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frequently asked questions.
How much does the Nickel Museum Hopfriesen cost?
Admission is free (as of July 2026).
When is the museum open?
From the end of May to mid-October, on Wednesday and Friday mornings (approx. 9:30 am–1:30 pm). The historic smelting furnace can be seen from the outside at any time.
Is the Nickel Museum suitable for children?
Yes, next to the museum there is a small, specially built mining tunnel for children, and the associated smelting furnace circular trail is family-friendly.
How do I get to the Nickel Museum?
By car via Rohrmoos into the Obertal to the Hopfriesen car park (approx. 20 minutes from Schladming), then a few minutes on foot across the bridge.
Is it worth visiting in bad weather?
Yes — the museum itself is under cover, and the short walk from the car park is easily managed with a rain jacket. In persistent rain, sturdy footwear is recommended.
