July 2025
HEINZMANN apprentices experience history firsthand at Schauinsland Mine
Schönau in the Black Forest– With a hearty "Glück auf!“ (a traditional miner’s greeting), twelve apprentices from HEINZMANN, accompanied by seven trainers, set off on 18 July 2025 for the Schauinsland Museum Mine near Freiburg. Their destination: an extraordinary excursion deep into the technological history of the Black Forest.
Climbing down 13 ladders, the group descended to the 4th level – about 45 vertical meters underground. The group not only experienced the narrow, dark working conditions of former miners but also explored fascinating highlights such as:
- A so-called “holiday flat” – in reality a break room for researchers. The “cosily” furnished rooms have become an unexpected highlight of the tour.
- A truly memorable moment: helmet torches off! In complete darkness, mine guide Florian Schneider demonstrated how miners generated light over the centuries – from resinous splinters to sooty “frog lamps”, followed by carbide and eventually electric headlamps. A guaranteed goosebump moment!
But the visit wasn’t just about historical anecdotes: those who weren’t careful in the narrow passages received a tangible reminder of the low tunnels with a “dong” on the helmet. “Fascinating to think about what lies beneath our feet – a real adventure!” said one apprentice.
To round off the day, the group returned to the Gasthaus Ochsen in Schönau. Over regional cuisine and in high spirits, they ended the day together.
Electronics trainer Sebastian Kähny offered a positive conclusion: “Trips like these don’t just connect generations – they also strengthen team spirit. Our apprentices return not only with new impressions but also with a fresh sense of togetherness.”
All information about apprenticeships and careers at HEINZMANN can be found at: Apprenticeship at HEINZMANN
HEINZMANN apprentices and trainers in front of the museum mine entrance
(Source: © Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG)
Mine guide Florian Schneider briefing the apprentice group
(Source: © Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG)
A glimpse into the everyday life of former miners: The apprentice group in a narrow tunnel with helmets and lights
(Source: © Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG)