Besucherbergwerk Schiefergrube „Christine“
Visitor mine in Willingen: guided tours through the Christine slate mine, closed in 1971, a fossil exhibition and the splitting house.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
In 1859 the Princely Government of Waldeck granted the concession for slate quarrying in the Iberg near Willingen. In 1863 the originally four mining fields were combined under the name "Christine". The blue-black slate has since roofed numerous castles, palaces and churches in and outside Hesse. When plastics came along, slate was pushed out for cost reasons; in 1971 the mine ceased operations after a good 100 years.
Since then the mine has been open for viewing and is part of the Nationaler GeoPark Grenzwelten (National GeoPark Grenzwelten). During the tour, mine guides explain how the slate formed and was extracted, the use of explosives, the removal of the blocks, and the dangers of mining, including pneumoconiosis (dust lung disease). The route leads through part of the former gallery system.
Above ground, an exhibition shows fossils and minerals from the mine as well as objects made of slate. In the old splitting house, former miners demonstrate how slate was split by hand. The rock is roughly 350 to 400 million years old, making it older than the Ruhr coal.
Highlights
- Guided tour through the gallery system
- Exhibition of fossils and minerals from the mine
- Splitting house with demonstration of splitting slate by hand
- Weddings underground in the slate halls
- Constant temperature of about 8 °C underground
Permanent exhibition
- Besucherbergwerk Schiefergrube Christine – Guided walk through the former slate mining operation with a fossil and mineral exhibition and a splitting house.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 6 · Children aged 7 to 12; children up to 6 free |
| Groups (20+ people) | –Groups of 20 or more receive a 10% discount. |
| Adults with Sauerland Card | €8 |
| Children aged 7–12 with Sauerland Card | €5 |
Holders of the Meine Card Plus enter free of charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
Access to the mine is via a relatively short staircase; the route to the exit is level. The floor is paved but can be wet depending on the weather.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
Children aged 7 to 12 pay €6, children up to 6 enter free; the mine is also an offer for families and school classes.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Willingen
Bus or train to Willingen railway station, then continue by bus or on-demand shared taxi.
By car
Parking available
There is sufficient room to park in front of the mine on Schwalefelder Straße.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 25 guests.
Civil weddings underground in the slate halls (up to 25 guests).
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are only possible with a mine guide; the tour lasts 60 to 70 minutes. Sturdy footwear and a warm jacket are recommended (about 8 °C year-round). |
