Allmannajuvet is Norway's only zinc mine you can visit. It sits in Sauda in upper Ryfylke, between Bergen and Stavanger. The mine only operated for 18 years, from 1881 to 1899. When zinc prices dropped, it became unprofitable and was simply abandoned. Everything was left exactly as it was, which gives you an authentic feel of what mining life was like back then.
The famous Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed the visitor centre here. It took eight years to complete instead of the planned four, and costs went completely out of control. The buildings use dark wood and metal to represent the harsh mining conditions. Unfortunately, the museum building is quite impractical. The ceiling is very low and the black walls with poor lighting make it difficult to see anything properly.
The mine tours run twice daily during summer season only. Outside summer you can book private tours through Sauda Ferie. The actual mine tour takes just under two hours, so plan for at least two and a half hours total. You'll walk about 1.5 kilometres underground wearing helmets and headlamps. The mine is cold and wet, so bring proper clothes and shoes. The guide shows you zinc veins, old equipment, and demonstrates the carbide lights miners used.
The famous Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed the visitor centre here. It took eight years to complete instead of the planned four, and costs went completely out of control. The buildings use dark wood and metal to represent the harsh mining conditions. Unfortunately, the museum building is quite impractical. The ceiling is very low and the black walls with poor lighting make it difficult to see anything properly.
The mine tours run twice daily during summer season only. Outside summer you can book private tours through Sauda Ferie. The actual mine tour takes just under two hours, so plan for at least two and a half hours total. You'll walk about 1.5 kilometres underground wearing helmets and headlamps. The mine is cold and wet, so bring proper clothes and shoes. The guide shows you zinc veins, old equipment, and demonstrates the carbide lights miners used.