Museum Technisches Denkmal Lehesten, Mining and technology museum in Lehesten, Germany
Museum Technisches Denkmal Lehesten is a mining museum set on the grounds of a former slate quarry in an open-air environment. Preserved buildings and original machinery display the methods of slate extraction and processing in their original locations.
The site operated as an active slate quarry until 1964, when extraction ceased. Following renovations of the historical structures, the museum opened in 1993 and has preserved the industrial heritage of the mining region since then.
The site demonstrates how slate mining shaped the region over generations and the daily work of the people involved in extraction. Traditional crafts like splitting and processing slate remain visible through exhibits and show how workers practiced their trade.
Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the grounds are uneven with varying elevations across the site. The best time to visit is from spring through fall, when all areas are accessible and weather conditions are pleasant.
A notable lake roughly 42 meters deep formed naturally from mining operations, creating an unexpected contrast to the industrial landscape with its clear water. Two walking paths around the grounds allow visitors to understand the geological layers and the shape of the former quarry.
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