The Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia — Attraction in Velenje

A superb experience worth a visit!

When you arrive, the group first gathers on benches in one room. We visited with a travel agency, so it may be a little different from individual arrivals.

After dividing into two smaller groups (about 20 people), we went to another room. In that room, we had to leave all our things, especially cell phones, in lockers. It is forbidden to bring mobile phones into the mine. Each locker has a key and is locked.

After leaving our belongings, we had to put on clothes (work jackets) and get helmets.After that, the guide knocked on the kitchen door. It was opened by a woman who gave us all a packed meal (pastry, Kranj sausage and juice).

When we were ready, we went to the elevator. A very old and interesting lift that is a real thrill. There is no light, only one flashlight. The descent speed reaches (if I remember correctly) 4 meters per second.

After arriving at a depth of approx. 130 m, first go to a room where a short film is watched. At the end of the film, you go on a "historical walk through the mine". A long, dark corridor with a "station" every few meters. A soft light illuminates the path you walk on. At each station, a certain scene is shown for a few minutes. You can see and hear how workers used to dig, what they ate, what their working conditions were like, and more. A special emotion is left by the station where it is shown how the mining accident turned out. It is not for everyone as they may panic. It is very loud and they agreed that the floor is shaking.

After the historical work, there will be free time for the meal that we got on the surface. The atmosphere is calmer because everything you have seen and heard hits you.

After the meal, a short walk through the modern part of the mine continues. Another film about the current mine and modernization is also being watched.

At the end of the movie, we go to the small train (small and iron) that takes us to the elevator. Return by exciting lift after 1.5 hours.

The experience is superb! The price is €20 per person, but we got a discount because of the group, so it turned out to be...

Visited the Coal Mining Museum, I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy it, but I did! Once you get your tickets, your guide will tell u to get a locker and out all your belongings inside. Your bags, purses and phones. Once that is done, you’ll be asked to put on a mining jacket and a hard hat. They also give you a hotdog and juice to eat as a break. Each piece of food goes goes in each pocket. An elevator takes u down and that’s when the tour begins. Lots of walking, story telling from our guide. No pictures are allowed in the mining tour. I actually loved it. It’s so different!...

Was there twice in a week with a group of camp kids. Excellent museum, really fascinating, it gives a great look into the life of coal miners. One thing that bothered me a bit was that both guides spoke really fast and sometimes you couldn't follow their explanation. Ten to twelve people in a group is, by my opinion, maximum number for a good experience. All in all, a thing very much worth...