Besucher-Bergwerk und Museum Kleinenbremen

About the museum

The history of the Wohlverwahrt mine goes back to 1835, when Johann Dinnendahl received permission to mine iron ore near Kleinenbremen. Extraction did not begin until 1883, at first in the Wohlverwahrt seam, about three meters thick. In 1923 the mine became unprofitable and was shut down, but from 1935 it was operated again in the deeper Klippenflöz seam, up to twelve meters thick, using both surface and underground mining. After an underground connection with the Nammen mine, production shifted there from 1954, and operations at Wohlverwahrt ended in 1957.

On May 18, 1988, part of the mine opened as a show mine. Visitors ride into the mine on the mine train and explore the extensive mining chambers, including an underground lake. In 2006 the iron ore mine was designated a National Geotope. Until 2014, a railcar of the Mindener Kreisbahnen at times brought guests to the mine.

A museum with departments on mining and Earth history was set up in the former operations building: a photo gallery in the "Halle der Bergleute" (Miners' Hall), interactive models of ore extraction, a visible storage area, the original youth and foremen's changing rooms, and fossils ranging from dinosaur tracks to a replica of a giant ammonite. For renovation and redesign, the museum building has been closed since summer 2026, expected until 2028; the tours into the mine continue. The operator is a non-profit GmbH, supported by the friends' association "Glückauf Kleinenbremen".

Highlights

• Guided ride on the mine train into the Wohlverwahrt iron ore mine
• Huge mining chambers and an underground lake
• National Geotope since 2006
• A small mine for children with hands-on stations
• Mining discovery trail through the former open-pit mine

Permanent exhibitions

• Einfahrt ins Besucher-Bergwerk – Guided ride on the mine train into the former Wohlverwahrt iron ore mine with its large mining chambers and insights into the work of miners.
• Museum für Bergbau und Erdgeschichte – Exhibitions on regional mining history and on fossils from the Carboniferous to the Tertiary; closed until 2028 (expected) for renovation and redesign.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Besucher-Bergwerk und Museum Kleinenbremen gGmbH

Director

Eryk Löbner

Admission & discounts

Prices for the tour into the show mine. Debit and credit cards are accepted. Museum workshop programs are charged separately.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The underground show mine is not accessible; people with physical limitations should inquire in advance with the museum service. The museum building (currently closed) is accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum workshop offers workshops and holiday activities, such as the "Kleines Bergwerk für Kinder" (small mine for children, ages 6 and up) with stations on drilling, ventilation, and blasting, ammonite and dinosaur workshops, and programs for children's birthday parties, daycare centers, and school classes.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Official branch of the Porta Westfalica registry office: weddings in the Tscherperraum underground or in the historic youth changing room (Jugendkaue); registration with the city of Porta Westfalica.

Plan your visit