Erlebnisbergwerk Merkers
Erlebnisbergwerk Merkers, Adventure mine and salt museum in Wartburgkreis, Germany.
Description
This former potash mine in Thuringia now operates as a visitor attraction where guests explore underground galleries. The tunnels cover around 4600 kilometers in total length, with the lowest sections located 860 meters below the surface.
History
American soldiers found looted property from across Europe here in 1945, including more than 100 tons of gold and many paintings from German museums. The Nazis had stored the material deep in the tunnels to protect it from air raids.
Culture
Theater performances and concerts take place in the large underground chambers, where wooden platforms provide seating for the audience. The natural acoustics of the space give every sound a character that differs noticeably from halls above ground.
Practical
The descent takes place in a hoisting cage that brings visitors around 500 meters underground in less than a minute. The temperature remains steady at 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round, so bringing warm clothing is helpful for walking through the cooler tunnels.
Did you know?
A salt crystal grotto discovered in 1980 displays crystals with edges exceeding one meter in length. The formations continue to grow as mineral-rich water slowly seeps through the rock layers and deposits new salt.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Germany).
Krayenburg
1.8 km
Krayenberg
1.8 km
Burg Wendelstein
7 km
Castles in Stadtlengsfeld
4.3 km
Schloss Feldeck
3 km
Bahnbetriebswerk Vacha
6.6 km
St.-Annen-Kirche
5.9 km
Schloss Leimbach
5.5 km
Evangelische Kirche
3.1 km
Protestant Church Tiefenort
3.7 km
Kirche
2.1 km
Stadtkirche Stadtlengsfeld
4.3 km
Jüdischer Friedhof (Vacha)
6.6 km
Jewish cemetery, Stadtlengsfeld
4.8 km
Schloss Weilar
6.9 km
Burgstelle Schlösschen (Unterrohn)
4.3 km
Brühl von Merkers
1.9 km
Burgstelle Schlösschen (Tiefenort)
2.3 km
Eich-Kopf
3.3 km
Werraaue mit Altarmen bei Unterrohn
4.3 km
Karrenwiesen
6.1 km
Protestant Church Frauensee
6.5 km
Protestant Church (Völkershausen)
5.8 km
Protestant Church (Leimbach)
5.2 km
Protestant Church Merkers
684 m
St. Margarete (Stadtlengsfeld)
4.7 km
Protestant Church Oberzella
6.4 km
St.-Joseph-der-Arbeiter
3.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes