Are you ready for the underground adventure?
Two excellently preserved mining levels are waiting for you 170 and 320 metres below the surface. You will go there with the authentic elevator (in Silesia called “shola”), the same that is used in active coal mines. The express ride in darkness takes just several dozen of seconds!
First of all, you will visit the oldest available regions of Guido Coal Mine, at the 170 level. The guide will tell you about the toil of work from the beginning of the 20th century which was the time of mechanization, technological progress but also the time the strongest cult of St. Barbara in Silesian coal mining. It is her who is the central figure in this part of the tour.
During the tour of the 170 level you will look into originally preserved horse stables and you will learn about the role that these animals played in the history of mining. You will also see what type of dangers wait for the miners working underground and thanks to the multimedia effects almost “feel” the first-hand experience on yourself.
The main point of the 170 level is St. Barbara’s chapel which catches attention thanks to the architectural qualities: raw brick, steel constructions and industrial climate are mixed with monumentality which is well-known from neo-gothic brick churches so often appearing in Silesia.
The biggest attractions of the 320 level are the large scale mining machines presented in operation and the ride in suspended electric rail. The experience at 320 level is mostly connected with exploring the development of mining technology from the end of the 19th century up to modern times.
Here you will learn how the hard work of a coal miner looks like, in what conditions the coal is mined and what mother nature can do to with the tunnels if they are not protected with support. You will go through a maze of mining excavations – at some points it will be steep and dark! Remember that the protective helmet is to be worn on the whole touristic route.
Although Guido Coal Mine stopped its coal extraction long time ago, there is still some coal left. During the tour you’ll see it at least four times, in its raw form – seams that are two meters thick.
A part of the route at 320 level will be covered with suspended electric rail. It is the only rail of this type in the world that has been made available for the tourists! It will take You to the working area of two machines, roadheader and longwall coal-cutting machine. From a very close perspective you will see how these powerful rock and coal mining machines at work.
The tour of Guido Coal Mine ends in the deepest located pub in Europe! For adults, the Pump Hall offers specialty of the house, “Guido” beer – a fantastic drink, brewed by local brewery from Gliwice, coming in two versions: lager and stout. In the Pump Hall you can also drink a cup of coffee, buy some souvenirs or try Silesian kitchen.
Worth knowing
- Tour duration: 2,5 hours
- Route length: 3,5 km
- Age limitation: 6 years (we invite groups with younger children to the underground route in Queen Louise Coal Mine)
- The temperature underground is between 13 and 16 degrees of Celsius, independently from the season
- Proper clothing and shoes with flat sole are recommended
- Due to difference in the air pressure, we do not recommend this tour for people with serious diseases
- Pregnant women should consult doctor before taking a tour
