Zinkgruvans gruvmuseum
Mining museum at Knalla mine in Zinkgruvan with an exhibition hall, guided tours, a round-trip train and a mine café; open in summer.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Knalla mine was mined in the late 19th century as part of the company Vieille Montagnes’s large-scale mining of zinc and lead ore in Zinkgruvan. Work to sink the shaft began in 1867, and the first 150 meters were drilled by hand. In the final years only three to four people worked in Knalla, and production was closed down completely in 2004, because the mining was judged to be too small-scale.
Since 1992 the building that was formerly the staff changing room has served as a mining museum. Zinkgruvans gruvmuseum and Knalla mine are supported by Boliden Zinkgruvan and Zinkgruvans Bygdeförening (Zinkgruvan Village Association), which also handles the daily operation.
Between 2016 and 2019 visitors could go down into the visitor mine, but from summer 2022 the museum concentrates entirely on activities above ground, since underground visits were very resource-intensive. On the site there is an exhibition hall with vehicles from different eras, a round-trip train on a 500-meter track, and guided and self-guided tours with QR codes. Next to the museum lies Knalla nature reserve.
Highlights
- Guided tours and self-guided tours with QR codes
- Round-trip train on a 500-meter track
- Exhibition hall with vehicles from different eras
- Mineral room and machine shed with the mine’s tools
- Mine café and the adjacent Knalla nature reserve
Permanent exhibition
- Gruvmuseet med utställningshall – Exhibitions on mining at Knalla and Zinkgruvan, with the mine’s tools, machines, minerals and photographs, and an exhibition hall with vehicles from different eras.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Zinkgruvans Bygdeförening
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 50 |
|---|---|
| Groups (11+ people) | SEK 40 per personGroups of more than 10 people, per person |
The museum ticket includes the round-trip train. Tickets are bought on site. During children’s week (week 28) all children are offered ice cream and festis (a soft drink) at the café.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The museum is described as a fun destination for children, with many interactive features, and the round-trip train is the children’s favourite. During children’s week in Askersund Municipality (week 28) special activities are arranged.
Getting there & parking
Follow the signs towards Zinkgruvan from national road 50, south or north of Askersund.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Mine café with buns, coffee and ice cream, with the same opening hours as the museum; larger groups should pre-order sandwiches and coffee cake. The shop sells books, postcards and sweaters.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours through the mine’s history, or a self-guided tour with QR codes and recorded stories on the website. It is no longer possible to go down underground (since summer 2022). Groups book a viewing with the museum manager on +46 72 737 43 00. |
