Tyrolean Shale Oil Museum

In 1902, Martin Albrecht senior discovered an oil shale with particular agents which come from prehistoric marine creatures and plants. These agents - together with the high content of naturally bound sulphur - make the Tyrolean Shale Oil an efficacious care product for humans and animals. It is used in cases of pains of the locomotor system and in rheumatic complaints. Still today, this special oil shale is mined in the Bächental Mine in the Karwendel Mountains, and processed.

100 years later, in 2002, the story of the Albrecht family and the work of the shale oil burners of the Bächental was opened to the public. The foundation stone of the Vitalberg (literally: Vital Mountain) was laid, a barrier-free glass pyramid which shall symbolise the mountain. The ground floor was coated with a limestone dry wall, the entrance on the north is designed like a gallery.

This Martin Gallery is the entrance to the Tyrolean Shale Oil Museum (Tiroler Steinöl Museum). It tells the story of the shale oil burner family Albrecht and the products - which can be purchased in the shop - with the aid of a modern audio system. The special kid's tour tells the legend of Thyrsus the Giant. In addition, on the first floor there's the Panorama Coffee Bar which offers a fantastic view on the surrounding alpine world during the day, and on the starry sky in the evening.