Map of the Brennberg Coal Mine

1825, Sopron (Hungary)

1 sheet, coloured drawing on paper; 33,7 × 49,8 cm

Győr-Moson-Sopron County Archives in Sopron
of the National Archives of Hungary
HU-MNL-GYMSMSL – IV – 1403 – c – 17. (XXV.) – Nr. 3532/1

The mines in the village of Brennbergbánya (today part of Sopron, Hungary, in German: Brennberg), were some of the most important coal mines in Hungary for about two centuries. They were also some of the most challenging and difficult due to their physical characteristics, especially due to the great depth and the high temperatures experienced inside.

Although the exploration of surface deposits of coal dates back to ancient times, it was only in the 18th century that demand for coal to power steam engines increased to enormous proportions.

The high-quality coalfields near Sopron were discovered in 1753 when, according to legend, a shepherd observed burning stones, a sight that appeared to him to be a miracle. The rich coal of Brennberg had been discovered, with systematic exploration up and running with in a few years.  The first coal mine in Hungary was opened there in 1759, owned by the Free Royal Town of Sopron.

Mining families of Austrian and German origin settled on the site. The number of miners increased greatly over time, spawning a settlement with its own church, school, kindergarten, movie theatre, post office, restaurant, etc. The story of the Brennberg coal mines involves many ups and downs, shutdowns and re-openings throughout the years. By the early 1950s the mine was said to be economically inefficient, and in December 1959 it was permanently shut down.

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