Schiefergrube Christine (Willingen)

A former slate mine in Willingen (Upland, North Hesse) that closed in 1971 after almost a century of production; the dry part is a show mine. Its lower levels are flooded, with reports of galleries at about 23 m and 41 m and a maximum depth of about 47 m. The black slate absorbs light, so even strong torches barely reach the walls. Rails, trolleys, tools and items the miners left behind line the passages.

Facts

Region: Germany – Mines & Caves
Area: NRW, Sauerland & North Hesse
Depth: 0–47 m
Level: advanced
Current: low
Type: cave
Coordinates: 51.298867, 8.612383 (approximate)
Highlights: flooded mine: lower levels at about 23 m and 41 m, max depth about 47 m, black slate walls that swallow torchlight, about 1.2 km of guideline, mining relics: rails, trolleys, tools, pipes, miners' boots and bottles
Permit: Privately owned show mine: diving only with the operator's permission and prior arrangement. Full Cave / cave-diver certification from a recognised agency is required, otherwise a check dive. Fees from older reports (2013: €30 per dive, €50 check dive) may be outdated. Check current terms.
Issuer / contact: Besucherbergwerk Schiefergrube Christine
- Phone: +4956329694353
- Address: Schwalefelder Str. 28, 34508 Willingen (Upland)
Unverified: Diving is confirmed only by diver reports from 2008–2013, a 2012 GTÜM Caisson article and showcaves.com; we found no official website or current diving terms. The phone number differs between sources (05632-9694353 / 05632-69673). Position is the showcaves.com mine point.
Tips: Only for certified Full Cave divers of agencies recognised by the mine; some agencies were not recognised and their divers had to do a check dive. Side passages are partly unlined – lay your own line. No current official diving page was found; contact the mine before travelling. Check current terms.

Schiefergrube Christine (Willingen)

Facts

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