Underground mines in Denmark
Denmark hides a fascinating history of underground mines and the extraction of raw materials. For several centuries, people have been digging in Denmark's underground to extract minerals, metals and other important resources. One of the most famous and impressive mines is the limestone pits in Mønsted which have played a central role in Denmark's economy for hundreds of years. Today, these limestone pits are a unique blend of history, nature and geology, where visitors can explore a dramatic underground world.
From limestone extraction to tourism
Mønsted Kalkgruber is the world's largest continuous limestone mine and consists of more than 60 kilometers of mine tunnels spread over up to six floors. The limestone from these mines was used for construction and agriculture in the local area which made the mines an important economic factor for several centuries. The constant demand for lime resulted in extensive work in the mines where both open quarries and the deep underground tunnels were created. The oldest passages in the pits were carved more than 700 years ago and although limestone quarrying stopped in 1956, the lime works continued to produce hydrated lime until 1980. Today, the mines are a historical monument and a tourist attraction, and parts of the old mine tunnels are open for visits. Here you get a sense of the hard work that was carried out underground and experience how the limestone has shaped both the landscape and the local economy.
An exciting underground world
Mønsted Kalkgruber is not only a tale of industry and economy but also a unique natural phenomenon. The height in the tunnels varies from 1.5 to 19 meters. Some of the tunnels are enormous, while others are so small that you can't stand upright. Electric lighting has been installed in about 2 kilometers of the tunnels, allowing visitors to take a tour of this dramatic underground world, where they can experience both underground lakes and impressive limestone formations.
A visit to Mønsted Kalkgruber not only provides insight into Denmark's industrial history but also the opportunity to experience the habitat of bats. The limestone pits are home to more than 10.000 bats, including the rare pond bat which hibernates in the cool dark tunnels with a constant temperature of 8 degrees all year round. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore the dark corners and maybe catch a glimpse of the small mammals hanging silently in the ceiling.
Denmark indeed holds a rich history of underground mines and Mønsted Kalkgruber not only tells the story of the important role of lime in the construction but also offers a unique underground experience for visitors.
