Bergwerk Fürst Leopold, Coal mine in Dorsten, Germany.
Bergwerk Fürst Leopold is a former coal mine in Dorsten with multiple shafts, processing plants, and administrative buildings located in the Hervest district. The site includes machinery rooms, storage halls, and residential structures that illustrate the complex system of coal extraction.
The mine began coal extraction in 1913 under the founder Leopold zu Salm-Salm and operated for almost a century. Production ceased in 2001 after reaching its peak in the 1990s.
The name derives from its former owner, and today artists and creative businesses use the buildings as studios and exhibition spaces. This transformation has given the site a new purpose while its industrial past remains visible in the structures.
The site is easily accessible on foot and suitable for both self-guided and group tours. Wear sturdy shoes and check opening times in advance, as certain areas may have limited access depending on the day.
After closure, the shafts were deliberately kept open to provide ventilation for the extensive underground tunnel network beneath the region. This system remains functional today and helps maintain stability in neighboring mining areas.
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