It wasn't until 1971 that operations at the "Christine" slate mine ceased after a good 100 years. Since then, the mine has been open to visitors and is part of the National GeoPark. GrenzweltenA guided tour through the tunnels is an unforgettable and lasting experience for young and old, and you'll want to bring a warm jacket. The temperature underground is 8°C year-round. In addition to gaining valuable insights into the formation and mining of slate, you'll also learn how it is processed and used above ground. Even today, you can see churches and houses roofed with slate throughout the Upland and Hochsauerland regions; some even have the walls clad with it.
 
Diving in the tunnel
Trained cave divers can explore the flooded floors using a 1,2 km long guide line. Fascinating dives reveal the secrets of the underworld. Under the spotlight, divers discover clothing, shoes, bottles, tools, pipes, rails, and trolleys, as if a work site had been abandoned for only a short time. An impressive journey into times gone by. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/485fHdQaN4c
For further information, please contact toms.tauchshop@t-online.de or call +49 171 7784722.
 
Stollen in Stollen - A culinary delight during Advent
The secret to turning a good stollen into a better one lies in its maturation. Our stollen matures for about four weeks in the disused slate mine "Grube Christine." The constant temperature of 8°C and consistent humidity provide ideal conditions for the development of its juicy, spicy flavor. Several times a week during Advent, you can participate in a special tasting. Following a mine tour, you can then sample the stollen flambéed with whiskey. Other flavors include marzipan, walnut, or butter stollen. The very best, select ingredients give this award-winning stollen its perfect taste. Master baker Wolfgang von der Heide now even ships his Christine stollen worldwide. You can find more products from this traditional company on the website www.gourmetbrot.de.
 
Getting married underground - A registrar in miner's clothing
You can even tie the knot in the mine's slate halls. A civil wedding underground is an unforgettable ceremony. The candlelit, gleaming black rock provides a graceful backdrop for your wedding with up to 25 spectators. Don't forget sturdy shoes; after all, Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, isn't prepared for a wedding party. A jacket is also advisable, as temperatures in the tunnels remain at 8°C year-round. There's ample parking in front of the mine on Schwalefelder Straße or for a fitting reception for the newlyweds. Further information is available at www.heiraten-in-willingen.de.
 
Relaxation and meditation - the perfect break
In the mine, our sense of time fades. What's happening outside becomes meaningless. The crystal-clear, pure air combined with the energy of the slate allows us to recharge our batteries and gain self-confidence in the shelter of the mountain. Find rest and relaxation in the peaceful silence through meditation, autogenic training, guided imagery, and the sound of singing bowls.
The relaxation exercises can have a beneficial effect on sleep disorders, nervous restlessness, general malaise, pressure to perform, tension, etc. The clean air of the mine can also have a healing effect on allergies and respiratory diseases. Information at www.glueckauf-willingen.de