800 Meters Through the World of Mining
The experience mine covers about 800 meters of walkable route on 3 levels. Visitors go underground through a tunnel. They can see the original working world of coal mining.
A Monument to Saarland Mining
Velsen Experience Mine
The Visitor Mine in Saarland
In Velsen, the westernmost district of Saarbrücken, there is a closed coal mine. Since 1945, a training mine was here. Generations of miners were trained until 2011. Today, the tunnel is run as a visitor mine. All machines and techniques can still be shown working.
Experience Technology in Action
Underground, you can see big machines working. These include shields, cutting rollers, conveyor belts, transport trains, loading machines, drilling tools, and pump stations. They can be turned on just like in active mining - using hydraulics, pneumatics, or strong electricity.
Highlights include:
A blind shaft with working rope transport and signal system
Cutting rollers and conveyor belts for person transport
The last working compressed air Koepe hoisting system in Germany
Tours at Velsen Experience Mine
The Velsen Experience Mine offers 90-minute tours through the world of coal mining. Visitors see technology and feel the atmosphere. It looks, sounds, and smells just like being underground.
Ride with the Mine Train Above Ground
The experience mine has an above-ground rail network. Visitors ride in original battery locomotives and passenger cars, just like miners did in the past.
Monument Status Since 2019
The former Velsen training tunnel is a real mine. Since 2019, it is a protected monument. It is the oldest preserved training mine for coal mining in Germany. It has been running for over 50 years without a break. Its complete technical equipment makes it unique and worth protecting.
