Schaubergwerk Saalfelder Feengrotten
Show mine in a former alum shale mine with colorful stalactites, guided tours, a hands-on museum and an adventure forest.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The grottoes go back to a mine where alum shale was quarried between 1544 and 1850; from the rock, alum and vitriol were obtained, which many trades needed. After the mine was closed, it fell almost completely into oblivion.
When the gallery was entered again in 1910, colorful stalactites had formed in the cavities. Heavy metals contained in the shale, such as chromium, manganese and vanadium, account for the great range of colors. The first visitors were already led through the grottoes in 1914, and more than 20 million people have since visited the mine. The Source Grotto is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most colorful show grotto in the world.
Today the Saalfelder Feengrotten und Tourismus GmbH operates a whole attraction: the underground route leads through, among others, the Barbara Grotto, the Butter Cellar and the Long Passage, and ends in the Märchendom (Fairy Tale Dome) with a light and music show. In addition there are the Grottoneum hands-on museum, the Feenweltchen adventure forest and a natural healing tunnel for inhalation.
Highlights
- Colorful stalactites in the Source Grotto (Guinness entry)
- Light and music show in the Fairy Tale Dome
- Route through the Barbara Grotto, Butter Cellar and Long Passage
- Grottoneum hands-on museum
- Feenweltchen adventure forest (April to October)
- Natural healing tunnel for inhalation
Permanent exhibition
- Erlebnismuseum Grottoneum – Hands-on exhibition over roughly 290 m² that explains mining and the world of grottoes, to touch and try out.
- Founded
- 1914
- Operated by
- Saalfelder Feengrotten und Tourismus GmbH
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €17 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €16 |
| Children & teens | €13Children aged 4 to 14; the minimum age for the show mine tour is 4 years. |
| Groups | –Group offers for 15 or more people on request (group folder). |
| Families | €45Family ticket for one tour: 2 adults + 1 child €45, 2 adults + 2 children €55, each additional child €10. |
| Combo ticket Experience World (tour + Grottoneum + Feenweltchen, April–October) | €29Children aged 4–14 €23, reduced €28; duration approx. 5 hours. |
| Combo family ticket (April–October) | €722 adults + 1 child; 2 adults + 2 children €92; each additional child €15. |
| Feenweltchen adventure forest incl. Grottoneum (April–October) | €15Flat rate for adults and children aged 3 to 14; from the third person in an order, €10 per person. |
| Feenweltchen family ticket | €392 adults + 1 child; 2 adults + 2 children €49; each additional child €10. |
| Natural healing tunnel: 2 hours of inhalation with your own sleeping bag | €16With the provided sleeping bag €23; 5- and 10-visit cards available. |
| Natural healing tunnel: Healthy Hour with your own sleeping bag | €12Children's session for children up to age 12: €12, one accompanying adult free. |
Free admission: Free admission to all areas on your own birthday (with valid proof).
Access to the show mine is by guided tour only. Tickets are valid for 90 days from purchase. Families receive 10% off online with the voucher code FAMILIE. Payment in cash or cashless.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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 show mine cannot be accessed by wheelchair, rollator or stroller (about 550 m over 3 levels, 120 steps, passages in places only 1.70 m high and shoulder-wide). The Grottoneum is wheelchair-accessible, and a stair lift is available. 2 free accessible parking spaces.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 4+
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €45 · Family ticket for one tour: 2 adults + 1 child €45, 2 adults + 2 children €55, each additional child €10. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly: not available
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Family tours from age 4, the Grottoneum hands-on museum, the Feenweltchen adventure forest with four theme worlds, and bookable children's birthday parties. Free: baby carriers to borrow, changing and nursing room, lockable stroller parking. Strollers are not possible in the show mine or at the Feenweltchen.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From the bus station at Saalfeld railway station, take line A (KomBus) to the attraction.
By car
Paid parking
Visitor parking at the Feengrottenpark, €3 per day (annual parking permit €30). Free: 2 accessible parking spaces, motorcycle, bus and bicycle parking. 10 caravan pitches for €10 per day plus tourist tax. 4 charging stations for electric cars.
- Accessible parking
Navigation address: Feengrottenweg 2, 07318 Saalfeld. By bike via the Saale cycle path; 3 charging stations for e-bikes.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Snack stand with Thuringian bratwurst (also vegetarian/vegan), Gasthaus (currently Tuesdays 12:00–15:00, Sat/Sun 12:00–16:00), Sweet Hut with ice cream and coffee, and the historic Grotto Tavern (Wed–Sun from 11:30; reservations 03671 5281466). Souvenir shop with delivery service at the end of the tour route.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Civil wedding ceremonies in the show mine with a light and music show. The historic Grotto Tavern (about 45 seats, terrace with 50 seats) is suited to family celebrations, weddings, business dinners and conferences.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN, ES, IT, FR, RU, NL) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography allowed, except during the light and music show in the Fairy Tale Dome. |
| Good to know | Tours of the show mine are offered in German only; for groups of 15 or more also in English. A tour cannot be cut short. Underground, the temperature is 8–10 °C with about 98% humidity: wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear; protective capes are provided free of charge. Children under 14 only with an adult. Dark tours with mining lamps from age 8. Free audio guides for the show mine and Grottoneum. Dogs are not allowed in the show mine, Grottoneum, healing tunnel or Feenweltchen (they may be leashed in the outdoor area). Visiting the show mine and Grottoneum together takes about 2 hours. |
