Grube Christiane

About the museum

Iron ore was already being mined around Adorf in the Waldecker Upland in the Middle Ages; a document from 1273 already regulates the rights to the mineral resources. The ores formed about 380 million years ago through volcanic activity on the floor of a sea – the nearby Martenbergklippe is considered the type locality of the geological Adorf Stage. After a heyday in the 19th century, the last mine in the district, Grube Martenberg, closed in 1917.

As part of the Nazi-era autarky policy, several old mining fields were combined into Grube Christiane from 1936 onward and redeveloped. Extraction began in 1938 and ended when the mine closed on April 16, 1963.

From 1978 onward, the Knappenverein Adorf (miners’ association), founded in 1875, worked to make the surviving tunnels accessible to visitors. Construction work began in September 1984, and the show mine opened on May 17, 1986. Since then, former miners and association members have guided visitors through the Karl-Ludwig-Erbstollen (drainage adit), where figures with historical tools illustrate work underground. Since 2015, an interactive info center with hands-on stations and films has complemented the tour; the adit also serves as a roost for bats.

Highlights

• Guided tour of about 90 minutes through the Karl-Ludwig-Erbstollen
• Figures with historical miners’ tools show the work of the miners
• Interactive info center with hands-on stations and films
• Historic mine railway at the mine
• Martenbergklippe geotope nearby

Permanent exhibitions

• Führung durch den Karl-Ludwig-Erbstollen – Underground tour of about 1.2 km with explanations of mining techniques and working conditions of past centuries, illustrated by figures with historical tools.
• Interaktives Info-Center – Hands-on stations, films, and pictures on the formation of the iron ore, its extraction, and the everyday life of miners in the Adorf district.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Knappenverein Adorf

Admission & discounts

With the SauerlandCard €8, children €5. No card payment possible.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

In the info center, young and old can try out old mining methods at hands-on stations; reduced prices for children and school classes.

Getting there & parking

Access via Adorf (municipality of Diemelsee), Bredelarer Straße 30.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit