Stara Kopalnia (en. Former Mine)

27.07.2023 Wałbrzych

The Science and Art Center Former Mine in Wałbrzych is a tourist attraction that opened in 2014 after the revitalization of the former Coal Mine "Julia." The scale of this investment is evident even from the access roads to this industrial museum. The 4.5 hectares of historical buildings related to heavy industry, the mining shaft, the observation tower, and the authentic mining machinery park are just some elements of this complex that can be seen without even entering the site. Most importantly, almost the entire tourist route is perfectly adapted for wheelchair users.

Where to Buy a Ticket to the Former Mine?

There is a huge parking lot at the Stara Kopalnia with very friendly ground conditions, making it much easier for people with limited mobility to move around. Poorly visible directional signs lead many tourists astray; they cannot find the ticket office and mistakenly head towards a building that is just one element of the entire complex. To purchase a ticket, you need to find the "foreman's office," which is located about 100 meters from the parking lot, between the buildings. If you are a person with disabilities, it is advisable to reserve a ticket in advance to prepare the guide for such a tourist.

Touring the Former Mine in Wałbrzych

Visits take place every hour and last about 100 minutes. It is worth dressing warmly regardless of the weather, as at a certain stage of the tour, the temperature drops to about 9 degrees Celsius.

We begin learning about the work of miners and the operation of the mine from the locker room, bathhouse, dispatcher's office, and other essential places without which such a large industrial facility cannot function. To reach the next locations, such as the hoisting machine buildings, headframes, shaft tower, and underground stone dispatch tunnel, wheelchair users can easily access them via modern elevators or ramps. Two historic electric hoisting machines, along with converters from alternating to direct current, operational since 1911 and utilized until the mine's closure in 1996, make a significant impression.

Observation Tower and Outdoor Mining Machinery Exhibit

The final point of the Former Mine tour is the 20-meter-tall observation tower, accessible for people with disabilities. From the tower, visitors can enjoy a scenic view of the Wałbrzych area and the mining complex. The museum also has an outdoor exhibit of historic mining machines and tools, showcasing the varied and inventive equipment used by miners in the past.

Is it worth visiting the Former Mine in Wałbrzych?

After visiting the Stara Kopalnia, I can undoubtedly state that it is a very valuable tourist destination. I am impressed by the scale and concept of the entire complex. The museum's adaptation to the needs of people with disabilities using wheelchairs is also impressive. Only at the end of the tourist route might you encounter two high thresholds, but that still cannot diminish the positive impressions of this place. Even though the tour lasted more than an hour and a half, the time passed quickly, and no one showed any signs of boredom. Therefore, it is worth visiting this place to learn about the interesting and specific realities of miners' work and the vast industrial complex that each coal mine represents.