Sauerländer Besucherbergwerk Ramsbeck
Show mine with a mining museum in Bestwig-Ramsbeck: mine train ride into the lead and zinc ore mine closed in 1974.
About the museum
Ore was probably already being dug at the Bastenberg near Ramsbeck in the 14th century; mining is documented since 1518. For centuries the people of the village lived from lead, zinc and some silver, from which thalers were even minted in the 18th century.
In the mid-19th century Ramsbeck was to be developed into a major industrial center under French management. The project ended in 1855 in a financial scandal. Afterwards the operation was reorganized as the Vereinigter Bastenberg und Dörnberg mine and gradually modernized. In the 20th century, standstills and phases of expansion alternated; in 1923 the Eickhoff Tunnel was built, through which the visitor train now runs.
Due to falling metal prices and ore-poor rock, the mine was closed on January 31, 1974. That same summer the show mine and museum opened. The mining museum is in the administration and changing-house building of 1953/54, which has been a listed building since 2020. The operator is a non-profit company for cultural and mining history.
Visitors ride the mine train about 1.5 kilometers into the mountain and then spend about an hour exploring hoisting systems and machinery with a mine guide. An eleven-kilometer-long mining trail leads to further traces of ore mining around the village.
Highlights
- Mine train ride of about 1.5 km through the Eickhoff Tunnel
- Underground tour with hoisting shaft, rotary tipper and conveyor belt
- Demonstration of a loud drilling rig
- Mining museum in the listed changing house with minerals
- 11 km mining trail with 41 information boards
Permanent exhibitions
- Bergbaumuseum – Exhibition in the former administration and changing-house building on ore mining, mining technology and the daily life of miners, with tools, drilling machines and minerals.
- Besucherbergwerk – Guided underground tour after the mine train ride, past the hoisting machine, shaft and conveyor belt.
- Founded
- 1974
- Operated by
- Sauerländer Besucherbergwerk gGmbH
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Children aged 4 and up, pupils, students, people with severe disabilities |
| Children & teens | €7free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 and up pay the reduced price |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7Reduced for people with severe disabilities |
| Students & apprentices | €7 |
| Groups (20+ people) | €9.50 per personRegistered groups, reduced €6 per person |
| Families | €29Two adults and any number of their own children |
| Museum only (without show mine) | €4Reduced €2 |
Prices for museum and show mine. RuhrTopCard: free admission once.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum above ground is accessible; the show mine is not accessible for people with mobility impairments (boarding the mine train, uneven ground, incline). Three accessible parking spaces directly at the entrance. Adapted tours for groups by registration. Only approved assistance dogs allowed.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
| Family ticket | €29 · Two adults and any number of their own children |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly: not available
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
No age limit, but for toddlers the museum advises against the narrow, loud mine train; strollers are not allowed underground, carrying is recommended. Family quiz (ages 6 and up, €2.50), museum rally (ages 7 and up, €1) and stamp rally (ages 4 and up, €0.50). Children's birthday parties with craft workshop and mine tour (approx. 2.5 hrs., €14.50 per child including admission, 5 or more children). Playground opposite the museum.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ramsbeck-Ziegelwiese
Bus R72 from Bestwig station to the "Ramsbeck-Ziegelwiese" stop directly in front of the show mine; return from the "Ramsbeck-Kleine" stop (approx. 200 m walk with stairs from the parking lot).
By car
Free parking
Large free parking lot directly next to the museum with an EV charging station (2 × 22 kW). Motorhomes may stay overnight in the visitor parking lot (without hookups or disposal facilities).
- Accessible parking
By bike via the "Am Bähnchen" cycle path from Bestwig, connecting to the RuhrtalRadweg.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
No food service; the museum restaurant "Zur Lore" is closed – bring your own food. Picnic area and "Waldsofa" (forest sofa) in front of the museum building. The museum shop sells, among other things, a map and brochure for the mining trail.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Civil weddings underground in the "Butterstall" (approx. 25 people) or in the mine director's office above ground; information from the service team or the Bestwig registry office. The Gruben-Light-Dinner is organized by an external partner.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (NL) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Private photos allowed in the museum and show mine, without tripod and selfie stick. |
| Good to know | The mine tour is always guided (approx. 1 hour underground, train ride approx. 8–10 minutes each way); plan 2 to 2.5 hours in total. Reserve seats on the mine train online, especially on weekends, during holidays and in rain. Underground 8–10 °C: warm clothing and sturdy shoes; a helmet is provided. Audio guide in Dutch at the ticket desk. Groups of 20 or more please register by phone. |
