Grube Christiane, Iron mine in Diemelsee, Germany

Grube Christiane is a former iron ore mine in the Adorf mining district, consolidated in 1936 from the Martenberg, Eckefeld, Ferdinand and Hubertus mines. Its ore lay in seams 5–8 metres thick, sometimes nearly vertical, with an iron content of 20–60%. The site includes the Martenberg shaft complex with processing plant and the Webbel shaft about 2.6 km away, linked by a cableway.

Mining in the Adorf district dates to the Middle Ages and to Celtic beginnings in the eastern Sauerland. In 1936 several old mine fields were consolidated as Grube Christiane; the Martenberg shaft with processing plant was built, and ore was hoisted from 1938. Output peaked in 1960 at 155,700 tonnes, and the mine closed in 1963. Since 1986 part of the site has been a show mine.

The site displays how miners worked in earlier times, with equipment and figures showing traditional extraction methods. Visitors can observe what the work underground involved and what tools were necessary for it.

Guided tours are available from Easter through October, with varying time slots during summer months. The temperature underground stays around 8 degrees Celsius year-round, so warm clothing is recommended.

The mine holds well-preserved machinery and tools from different mining periods. These items show how extraction methods changed over time.