It wasn’t until 1971 that operations at the “Christine” slate mine were discontinued after a good 100 years. Since then, the mine has been open to visitors and is part of the Grenzwelten National Geopark. A guided tour through the tunnels, led by an expert, is an unforgettable and lasting experience for young and old alike—one you should enjoy while wearing a warm jacket. That’s because the temperature underground remains at 8° C year-round. In addition to learning a great deal about the formation and mining of slate, you’ll also discover how slate is processed and used above ground. Even today, throughout the Upland and Hochsauerland regions, you can see churches and homes roofed with slate; in some cases, even the walls of the houses are clad with it.

Diving in the “
”Tunnel: Trained cave divers can explore the flooded chambers along a 1.2 km-long guide line. Fascinating dives reveal the secrets of the underworld. In the spotlight, divers discover clothing, shoes, bottles, tools, pipes, rails, and mine cars, as if a workplace had been abandoned only for a short time. An impressive journey back in time. Here’s a video: https://youtu.be/485fHdQaN4c
For more information, contact toms.tauchshop@t-online.de, Tel. +49 171 7784722.

Stollen in the Stollen—A Culinary Delight During Advent
The secret to turning a good stollen into an even better one lies in the aging process. Our stollen ages for about four weeks in the decommissioned slate mine “Grube Christine.” The constant temperature of 8° C and consistent humidity provide ideal conditions for the rich, spicy flavor to develop. Several times a week during the Advent season, you can take part in a special tasting. Following a mine tour, you’ll have the chance to sample the stollen flambéed with whiskey. Other flavors include marzipan, walnut, and butter stollen. Only the very best, carefully selected ingredients give this award-winning stollen its perfect flavor. Master baker Wolfgang Heid now even ships his Christinenstollen worldwide. You can find more products from this traditional bakery on the website www.gourmetbrot.de.

Getting Married Underground—A Registrar in Miners’ Attire
You can even tie the knot in the mine’s slate chambers. A civil wedding ceremony underground is an unforgettable experience. By candlelight, the glossy black rock provides a graceful backdrop for your wedding ceremony with up to 25 guests. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes—after all, Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, isn’t prepared for a wedding party. A jacket is also advisable, given that the temperature in the tunnels remains at 8°C year-round. In front of the mine on Schwalefeld Straße, there’s plenty of space for parking or for a fitting reception for the newlyweds. For more information, visit the website www.heiraten-in-willingen.de

Relaxation and Meditation—The Perfect Getaway
In the mine, the sense of time fades away. What’s happening outside becomes insignificant. Thanks to the crystal-clear, pure air combined with the energy of the slate rock, we recharge our strength and self-confidence in the safety of the mountain. Find rest and relaxation in the peaceful silence through meditation, autogenic training, guided imagery, and the sound of singing bowls.
These relaxation exercises can have a beneficial effect on sleep disorders, nervous restlessness, general malaise, performance pressure, tension, and more. The fresh air of the mine can also have a healing effect on allergies and respiratory conditions. For more information, visit www.glueckauf-willingen.de