57317.20.01 Prähistorisches Bergbaugebiet Wirtsalm (Kupferverhüttungsplatz Kressenbrunn)

Geomagneticas in 2018 revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metallurgy at three sites (Kressenbrunn, Kressenbrunn-Ost, Hecherhütte). The excavation of the Kressenbrunn site conducted in 2019, situated at 1,626–1,628 m altitude, revealed multiple roasting bed phases, furnace remains, and slag deposits. Excavations uncovered red heat-affected soil, charcoal layers, and structures associated with ore processing. The findings indicate extensive smelting activity, with multiple refining processes and site modifications over time.

The excavation also revealed disturbances from rodent burrows and natural erosion, complicating stratigraphy. Despite this, remains of two furnaces and associated slag layers were identified, confirming the area’s significance in prehistoric metallurgy.