Klosterstollen Barsinghausen

About the museum

Hard coal has been mined in the Deister since the 17th century. On September 1, 1856, driving of the Klosterstollen began in Barsinghausen, named after the Klosterkammer Hannover, which owned the land. The tunnel was meant to open up deeper seams and drain the mine water. In 1869, after almost one and a half kilometers, a coal seam was reached, and production began shortly afterward. Pit ponies followed, then shafts from 1888 and in 1898 the large Zechensaal hall, where the miners gathered before their shift.

No more coal was extracted via the Klosterstollen itself from 1921; it then served for ventilation. In February 1957 the entire Barsinghausen hard coal mine closed, and the tunnel was backfilled and sealed.

At the beginning of the 1980s the idea of a show mine arose. From 1986 volunteers reopened the flooded tunnel over years of work, and on May 1, 1999 it was approved as a show mine. Since then, visitors have ridden a mine train on 600-millimeter gauge about 1.4 kilometers into the mountain, where it is around 9 °C all year round.

Aboveground, a museum in the Zechensaal shows mine vehicles, equipment and tools, and in the washhouse (Waschkaue) the miners' work clothing and gear can be seen. A winding tower built in 2007 marks Shaft II, and the surrounding Zechenpark invites visitors to take walks. The facility is operated by Alte Zeche – Gemeinnützige Betriebs GmbH, supported by the friends' association founded in 1992.

Highlights

• Ride on the mine train about 1.4 km into the Deister
• Around 9 °C all year and almost 100% humidity underground
• Mining museum in the historic Zechensaal hall of 1898
• Washhouse with the miners' work clothing
• Zechenpark with viewpoint on the spoil heap

Founded

1999

Operated by

Alte Zeche – Gemeinnützige Betriebs GmbH

Admission & discounts

Cashless payment only on weekends. Vouchers via the online booking system.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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 aboveground museum is wheelchair-accessible; the tunnel and Zechenpark are only partially accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 6+

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Tours from 6 years; younger children may not enter the mine. Child-friendly, playful tours and children's birthday parties (up to 10 children plus 2 adults €115).

Getting there & parking

By car via the A2 or the B65.

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 300 guests.

Zechensaal hall for around 300 people and washhouse for around 100 people, with video and audio equipment; catering via the tenant.

Plan your visit