Kopalnia Guido

About the museum

The Kopalnia Guido (Guido Mine) was formerly a hard coal mine owned by the Prussian state, incorporated as the South Field (Pole Południowe) into the “Królowa Luiza” mine. The shaft was deepened to 320 metres, and beside it a connection to the 170-metre level was excavated. In 1912 Guido was formally incorporated into the neighbouring “Delbrück” mine, and in 1928 the Guido shaft was shut down; the Kolejowy shaft was still used to lower the crew and materials.

After the Second World War the mine area operated as “Ruch Guido”, and from 1967 the experimental mine M-300 was set up here, where new mining machines and equipment were tested. Today the former mine is open to visitors and belongs to the Muzeum Górnictwa Węglowego w Zabrzu (Museum of Coal Mining in Zabrze), which since 2013 has formed a single cultural institution together with the Sztolnia Królowa Luiza complex.

Visitors descend to a depth of 320 metres, roughly the equivalent of a hundred floors down. The route runs through galleries with working mining machines and includes a ride on the only suspended electric railway in Poland. At the 170-metre level there is an underground chapel, and at the 320-metre level a pub.

Highlights

• descent to a depth of 320 metres
• the only suspended electric railway in Poland
• working mining machines along the route
• St Barbara’s Underground Chapel at the 170 m level
• pub at the 320 m level, included in the ticket price

Permanent exhibitions

• Podziemny Spacer Górniczy – A two-hour route to a depth of 320 metres, with working mining machines and a ride on the suspended electric railway.
• Kaplica Św. Barbary – Underground mining chapel at the 170-metre level.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Muzeum Górnictwa Węglowego w Zabrzu

Admission & discounts

Prices are given for the “Podziemny Spacer Górniczy” (Underground Mining Walk) route when bought online or at least 24 hours in advance; at the ticket office on the day of the visit the ticket costs PLN 70 (reduced PLN 60). Prices for the other routes depend on the type of tour.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Tours take place in authentic workings, where the terrain cannot be adapted everywhere; the museum asks people with disabilities to get in touch and tailors the offer individually. Lifts and toilets for people with disabilities are available in the buildings, and there is an adapted toilet at the underground pub.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 6+

The mine routes are intended for visitors from the age of 6.

Getting there & parking

Zabrze lies about 6 km from the A1 and A4 motorways, near the Drogowa Trasa Średnicowa expressway; it can also be reached by train of the Koleje Śląskie.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Lockers

A pub at the 320 m level serves snacks, coffee and drinks (descent to the pub PLN 10). There are lockers at the Kopalnia Guido, bicycle racks and a charging station for electric vehicles. The Hostel Guido (ul. 3 Maja 93a) is nearby.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum hosts events and functions on the surface and underground (contact: tel. 728 406 116, weekdays 8:00–16:00).

Plan your visit