Logo Besucherbergwerk Velsen

The Velsen adventure Mine brings underground history to life

The time of active mining comes to life in the former training gallery of the Velsen coal mine. Where miners were once trained, visitors can now experience the technology and atmosphere of a real mine up close - fully functional and unique in Germany.

Velsen, the westernmost district of Saarbrücken, is home to a very special piece of German industrial history: the Velsen Adventure Mine. The former training mine, known as the Velsen training gallery, was taken over by the Erlebnisbergwerk Velsen e.V. association following its closure in 2011 - and brought back to life.

What makes the adventure mine so special is that it is not just an exhibition, but a demonstration. Visitors can experience the full range of mining technology on around 800 meters of underground galleries on three levels - and in operation. Whether inclined rollers, conveyor belts, conveyor belts, loading machines or drilling equipment: everything works as it once did in active coal mining - hydraulically, pneumatically or with high voltage current.

Highlights include an original blind shaft with a ropeway, a conveyor belt approved for transporting people and the last functioning compressed air-powered Koepe conveyor system in Germany. A rail network with original battery-powered locomotives and passenger carriages also awaits visitors above ground, taking them on a mining adventure in true style.

The former practice gallery has been a listed building since 2019. The 90-minute guided tours offer fascinating insights into the miners' working world - authentic, technically impressive and more lively than anywhere else.

Mining is not just shown here - mining is lived here.

Did you know?
Miners colloquially call the "howl generator" a "Wau-Wau" because it sounds like a dog barking.
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