Mine Lochezen, Former limestone mining site in Walenstadt, Switzerland.
Mine Lochezen is a former limestone quarry on the north shore of Lake Walen beneath the Churfirsten mountains in eastern Switzerland. The site consists of a network of tunnels and caverns carved into the mountain, revealing different levels of extraction work.
Limestone extraction began in 1861 under German engineer Heinrich Julius Tröger and focused on supplying material for cement production. The operation continued until 2001, when mining activities ceased.
The site displays old machinery and rail tracks that show how Swiss mining techniques changed over time. This equipment remains in the tunnels today and tells the story of how people worked underground in earlier generations.
Visits are only possible with guided tours, and you should wear sturdy shoes, warm clothing, and bring a flashlight for the underground passages. It is important to register in advance since capacity is limited and the tunnels are cool and damp.
After mining ended, the site became a testing ground for rockfall protection nets starting in 2004, a facility unique in the world. The company Geobrugg-Fatzer AG uses the rock walls to test new protective equipment under real conditions.
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