Erlebnisbergwerk Sondershausen

About the museum

In 1891 the entrepreneur Heinrich Leonhard Brügman secured the mining rights near Sondershausen; in 1893 he founded the Gewerkschaft Glückauf mining company and had the first shaft sunk, which was completed in 1895. Potash salt was extracted from 1896, and the potassium chloride factory began operating in 1898. The works grew into one of Germany's major potash companies and became part of the Wintershall group in the 1920s. From 1937/38 the Wehrmacht used two shafts as an army munitions facility.

After 1945 the works became state property and continued mining in GDR times; in 1989 some 2.3 million metric tons of crude salt were still being extracted. In 1991 potash mining ended after almost a century; around 3,000 people had last worked here. Since 1995 GSES GmbH has been securing the old mine workings by backfilling and continues to mine rock salt – so the mine is still in operation today.

Visitors are looked after by the show mine operating company founded in 1998, which takes guests down via the Brügmanschacht (Shaft I). Attractions were added step by step: the salt slide in 1999, a boat route on a brine lake and the concert hall in 2001, a regulation bowling alley in 2004, and in 2007 a permanent exhibition on army munitions facilities in potash shafts. During the ride through the tunnels, large mining and hoisting machines are also explained.

Highlights

• Descent in the hoist cage at around 4 m/s to a depth of 670 m
• Boat ride in Spreewald punts on the underground brine lake
• 52 m tunnel slide with a 40% gradient
• Underground concert hall and banquet hall (the town's official wedding venue)
• Permanent exhibition on army munitions facilities in potash shafts
• Truck ride past historic mining and hoisting machines

Permanent exhibitions

• Heeresmunitionsanstalten in Kalischächten – Exhibition at a depth of around 600 m on the Wehrmacht munitions facilities in the region's disused potash mines and on the connection between armament and forced labor.
• Bergbautechnik unter Tage – During the ride through the underground tunnels, large historic mining and hoisting machines are shown and their function explained.

Operated by

Erlebnisbergwerk-Betreibergesellschaft mbH (EBBG)

Admission & discounts

Prices per person; weekend rates apply on public holidays. Payment in cash or by debit card (EC-Karte). Concert tickets according to the event schedule.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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 descent is not possible for wheelchair users, and only to a limited extent and by prior arrangement for people with other physical impairments. Around 90 steps lead up to the shaft landing for the hoist cage; underground, the ride is on open trucks with step access.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 10+

For safety reasons, children under 10 are not allowed to descend into the mine.

Getting there & parking

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

Amenities & dining

Safety helmet and coat are provided. The bowling alley at a depth of 700 m is currently out of service. Catering in the banquet hall on request.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Underground banquet hall with around 60 seats, also the official wedding venue of the town of Sondershausen, for private and business celebrations and anniversaries; catering on request. The concert hall hosts classical, rock, folk and comedy events.

Plan your visit