Mining museum of Pernik, Mining museum in Pernik, Bulgaria
The Mining museum of Pernik sits about 50 meters underground in a former working mine and displays kilometers of preserved tunnels filled with original machinery and tools. The underground space shows how a real mine operated with rail tracks, lifting systems, and equipment from different time periods.
Coal extraction began at this location in 1891, making it one of Bulgaria's earliest mining operations in the modern era. The mine closed after more than 70 years of production and was later opened to visitors as a museum in the 1980s.
The exhibits show how miners worked in difficult conditions for generations, with personal stories told through equipment and photographs on display. These objects reflect the daily reality and struggles of the workers who built this community.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothes, as the underground space stays cool throughout the year. The pathways through the tunnels are accessible but involve walking on uneven ground and passing through narrow sections.
The preserved tunnels hold more than just equipment - visitors can see marks left by tools, scratches on walls, and old writings from miners who worked here. These small traces tell the story of people spending decades working deep underground in harsh conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
