Slate mine factory Elm

Slate dust, sawdust and the smell of glue characterize the atmosphere in the Elm slate factory, where all machines are still functional 40 years after the closure of operations.

In the middle of the cosy wooden houses at Sandgasse 13, near the Elm church, is the slate factory.

After slate production ceased in 1983, the "Stiftung pro Elm" acquired the historic factory buildings with the aim of preserving the last witnesses of the slate industry that once flourished in the Sernftal for posterity.

All the tools, the unique and special equipment and the machines driven by transmission belts are still present and fully functional. Slate dust, sawdust and the smell of glue pervade the production rooms.

Today, the old craft is presented in an exciting and impressive way – coupled with state-of-the-art museum education.

During the guided tour of the Elm slate factory, which lasts one and a half hours, you will learn how the best-known writing and Jass tablets were made in Elm. With the still functional and unique machines, the production of slate products is demonstrated. Closely linked to the history of slate mining and slate processing in the Sernftal is the tragedy of the devastating landslide of Elm on 11 September 1881.