Annaberg-Buchholz Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Annaberg-Buchholz

Coat of arms

Country

Elevation

600 m (2,000 ft)

Population

(2022-12-31)

• Total

19,382

CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)

09456

03733

ERZ, ANA, ASZ, AU, MAB, MEK, STL, SZB, ZP

Website

www.annaberg-buchholz.de

Annaberg-Buchholz is a town in the Free State of Saxony, Germany. It is located in the beautiful Erzgebirge mountains. This town is also the capital of the rural district called Erzgebirgskreis. Annaberg-Buchholz is famous for its long history of mining and its unique traditions.

Welcome to Annaberg-Buchholz!
Images for kids
See also

Welcome to Annaberg-Buchholz!

Annaberg-Buchholz is a charming town in southeastern Germany. It sits high up in the mountains, about 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet) above sea level. The town is known for its rich history, especially its connection to silver mining. Today, it's a popular place for tourists who want to explore its past and enjoy the scenic views.

Where is Annaberg-Buchholz?

Annaberg-Buchholz is in the region of Saxony, a state in Germany. It's nestled in the Erzgebirge, which means "Ore Mountains." These mountains form a natural border between Germany and the Czech Republic. The town's location in the mountains means it has beautiful landscapes and a cool climate.

A Rich History of Mining

The history of Annaberg-Buchholz is closely tied to mining. For centuries, people came here to dig for valuable metals. Silver was the most important metal found in the area. This mining activity helped the town grow and become very wealthy.

The Silver Rush

In the late 1400s, a huge discovery of silver brought many people to the area. This led to the founding of Annaberg in 1496. Miners worked hard, digging deep into the mountains. The silver they found made the town one of the richest in Saxony. This period is often called the "silver rush."

Famous Miners and Inventions

Mining was a tough job, but it also led to new ideas. Miners developed special techniques to extract the ore. They also built impressive tunnels and shafts. The town's history shows how human effort and cleverness can overcome challenges.

Amazing Buildings and Landmarks

Annaberg-Buchholz has many old and beautiful buildings. These structures tell stories about the town's past. They show how important art and architecture were to the people who lived here.

St. Anne's Church: A Masterpiece

One of the most famous buildings is St. Anne's Church (St. Annenkirche). It's a huge church built in the late 1400s and early 1500s. It's a great example of Gothic architecture. Inside, you can see amazing carvings and artwork. The church's tall tower is a landmark you can spot from far away.

St. Anne's Church is a famous landmark.

The Frohnauer Hammer

Another interesting place is the Frohnauer Hammer. This is an old hammer mill that used water power. It was used to process metals, especially iron. It's one of the oldest working hammer mills in Germany. Today, it's a museum where you can see how things were made long ago.

The historic Frohnauer Hammer.

Important People from Annaberg

Over the centuries, several notable people have lived in or come from Annaberg-Buchholz. They made important contributions in different fields.

Adam Ries: The Math Whiz

One of the most famous people is Adam Ries (1492–1559). He was a very important mathematician. He taught people how to do math using Arabic numerals, which are the numbers we use today (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.). Before him, people often used Roman numerals, which were much harder for calculations. His work made math easier for everyone. There's even a monument to him in the town.

The monument to Adam Ries.

Christian Felix Weiße: A Writer's Life

Christian Felix Weiße (1726–1804) was another important figure. He was a writer and poet, especially known for his works for children. He helped shape children's literature in Germany. His stories and plays were popular and taught important lessons.

Christian Felix Weiße, a famous writer.

Fun Facts and Traditions

Annaberg-Buchholz is also known for its unique traditions. The town is especially famous for its Christmas market. During the holiday season, the town becomes a magical place with festive decorations and local crafts. Wood carving and lace-making are traditional crafts from the Erzgebirge region. You can often find beautiful examples of these crafts in Annaberg-Buchholz.