Grube Christiane visitor mine

Adorf mining history
A treasure has been found under the ground of Martenberg in DiemelseeAdorf developed due to the mighty forces of nature: iron ore. Humans used iron ore from early times, mining it even under simple conditions in prehistoric times. The first documented reference dates back to 1273, when a dispute between the Bredelar Monastery and two noble families over land ownership and the rights to exploit the ore was recorded. From the late Middle Ages onward, underground mining also took place.

Various tunnels, such as the Felix Martin Tunnel, which existed from 1587 to 1900, and the Bismarck Tunnel, which was hewn 1.600 meters into the rock by hand in the centuries following the Thirty Years' War, undermined the Martenberg and supplied the coveted iron ore. Mining at the Martenberg was temporarily halted in 1917, but resumed in 1938, only briefly. On April 16, 1963, the last wagon carrying ore passed through the tunnel. This marked the end of centuries of mining in Adorf.

New beginning – the Grube Christiane visitor mine
A new era began on May 17, 1986, with the opening of the Grube Christiane visitor mine. After two years of painstaking work, with 17.414 hours of work, largely carried out on a voluntary basis by the Adorf Miners' Association, visitors can now experience iron ore mining firsthand from the early days to the 20th century.

Interactive Info Center
Why is there iron ore at Martenberg? How is it formed? How was it mined, and what is iron ore used for? What did the miners' working environment actually look like in the past? And why is there no mining in Adorf anymore?

These and many other questions will be answered in a modern and exciting way in the interactive information center that opened in April 2015.

The many hands-on stations invite young and old to explore, try things out, and experience things for themselves. Together with the mine tour, you'll experience mining and the working world of the miners firsthand.

In the adjoining "Bergmannstreff Zum Roteisenstein", which can accommodate up to 60 people, you can enjoy your picnic in a cozy setting.

Special and group tours (from 12 people) are possible by arrangement

MeineCardPlus: Free admission to the mine & adventure exhibition