The historic Herrenberg slate mine ('Schiefergrube Herrenberg'), located near to the Altburg Celtic settlement and the medieval Schmidtburg, showcases the work of the "slate breaker" or ''Layenbrecher" (miner) using tools and equipment. The exhibition also includes magnificent natural formations: quartz veins interchanging with grey-blue slate and shiny gold pyrite. The hand-hewn tunnels and mining work bear witness to a prospecting tradition dating back to the 16th century.

The slate mine, which was first mentioned in 1822, was finally shut down in 1964. The process of opening up the mine as a showcase mine began in 1975. The opening took place in 1976. In 1988 the site was structurally altered to incorporate easy access to the mine for people in wheelchairs.