Tabergsgruvan
Old iron ore mine in Taberg with guided tours in summer and a bat museum about the mine's history, geology and bats.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Tabergsgruvan is a mine in the Taberg mountain, where the ore formed around 1,200 million years ago. The ore is called titanomagnetite olivinite; its iron content is just over 30 per cent, but the quality is high. Iron ore has been mined here since the 15th century. The mine tunnels that exist today were blasted out during the Second World War, and mining ceased at the end of the 1950s.
The mine is today one of the larger wintering sites for bats in southern Sweden, and in winter entry is forbidden so as not to disturb their hibernation. During the summer half-year, guided tours into the mountain are arranged, telling of the mountain's history, geology, nature and cultural history. During the tours visitors can also see the Fladdermuseet (Bat Museum), with facts about bats, mine history and geology.
The tours are run by the non-profit association Tabergs Gruvguider, a spin-off from Naturskyddsföreningen (the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation). The association regards itself as a working-life museum.
Highlights
- Guided short tour of around one hour, largely adapted for wheelchairs
- Longer and more demanding tour of around 1.5 hours, with a 20-metre spiral staircase
- Bat Museum with facts about bats, mine history and geology
- Wintering site for around 800 bats
- Tours in Swedish, English and German
Permanent exhibition
- Fladdermuseet – Exhibition on bats, the mine's history and the area's geology, which can be visited in connection with the tours.
- Operated by
- Tabergs Gruvguider (ideell förening)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 120 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | SEK 60Children aged 6–11 (short tour) |
| Children & teens | SEK 60free up to age 5 · Children aged 6–11 pay SEK 60 for the short tour. Children under 6 go free when accompanied by an adult, but must be able to walk unaided and wear a helmet. |
| Groups | SEK 100 per personShort tour for groups: SEK 100 per person over 12 years, SEK 60 for children under 12, minimum price SEK 1,500. Long tour: SEK 150 per person, minimum price SEK 1,800, up to 20 people. |
| Long tour (minimum age 10) | SEK 180The same price for everyone. |
| School class, after-school centres and scouts – short tour (per person, minimum price SEK 1,500) | SEK 60 |
| School class, after-school centres and scouts – long tour (per person, minimum price SEK 1,800) | SEK 100 |
The short tour costs SEK 120 for adults and children from 12 years. The ticket company charges a service fee of SEK 15 per ticket for advance purchase. Advance sales close one hour before the tour; after that, tickets are sold on site, subject to availability.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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
The short tour is largely adapted for rollators and wheelchairs, and you go about 180–200 metres into the mountain, but the slope up to the Gruvsalen (mine hall) is not accessible. The mine building has steps at the front but a wheelchair ramp at the back. A wheelchair-accessible municipal toilet is at the barbecue area and is open during the summer season. No pets may enter the mine, except working guide dogs.
Kids & families
Recommended for ages 10+
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
The long tour has a minimum age of 10. Children under 6 must be able to walk on their own and wear a helmet.
Getting there & parking
The Gruvgården lies at the foot of the mountain. From the Gruvgården a hiking trail leads up to the top of Taberg in about half an hour.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Municipal toilet open during the summer half-year, and a covered barbecue area by the Gruvgården. At the top of Taberg there is a restaurant and an adventure golf course.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are by guide only. The short tour takes just over an hour (about 20 minutes outdoors, then about 200 metres into the mountain); the long tour takes about 1.5 hours, with a minimum age of 10 and a maximum of 20 people. Helmets are lent out, and it is cold in the mine. The tours are held in Swedish, English and German. |
