Steenkolenmijn Valkenburg

About the museum

The Steenkolenmijn Valkenburg arose from a practical problem: in Limburg's coal mines, which were still operating at the time, more and more people wanted to go underground, but visits there were too dangerous. So in 1916 Emile Caselli set up a visitor mine in a disused marl quarry near Valkenburg, which was already flourishing as an excursion destination. The "Model-Steenkolenmijn" opened on 21 July 1917.

The site lies in part of the Daalhemergroeve, whose galleries were designed to look like a coal mine. With the support of the state mining inspectorate, the latest techniques from the Dutch mines were continually added. After the last two collieries closed at the end of 1974, the exhibition was greatly expanded, and today it houses machinery and material from the region's collieries that closed between 1966 and 1974.

The tour begins in a film room with a promotional film from 1970 about the everyday life of miners, 546 metres underground. Former miners then lead visitors through the mine for about an hour and explain their work with demonstrations of historic machines. There is also a museum section with fossils from the Cretaceous and Carboniferous periods, miners' lamps and other mining material.

Highlights

• Tour led by former miners (about one hour)
• Demonstrations of historic mining machines underground
• 1970 film about working 546 metres underground
• Museum section with fossils, including a 185 cm long mosasaur lower jaw
• Collection of miners' lamps and mining material

Permanent exhibition

• Museumsteil: Fossilien und Bergbaumaterial – Fossils from the Cretaceous and Carboniferous periods, miners' lamps and mining tools, with a 185 cm long mosasaur lower jaw as the showpiece.

Founded

1917

Admission & discounts

Discounts are available with the Limburgpas and the CJP card. The Museumkaart is no longer valid. Online tickets are day tickets for the selected date; tickets are also available at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and prams, and with assistance dogs. Dogs are generally allowed as long as they are not disruptive.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

The museum describes a visit as suitable for all age groups and as a family outing; children up to 4 years old are free. There is a dedicated package for schools.

Getting there & parking

From the centre of Valkenburg, follow the ANWB signs towards Sibbe/Margraten or the "Steenkolenmijn" signposts; on foot it is about a quarter of an hour from the centre.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit