Monsted Limestone Mines

Some Of The World'S Largest Limestone Mines, With Kilometres Of Galleries Open To Walk, A Winter Home For Thousands Of Bats, And Cheese Stored Deep Underground · Monsted, Central Denmark Region

Monsted Kalkgruber is a former limestone mine in the gentle hills about 15 km west of Viborg in central Jutland, often described as among the largest limestone mines in the world. Limestone is said to have been dug here since the Middle Ages, when it went into churches and lime mortar across Jutland, and mining only stopped in the 1950s. The result is a maze of galleries said to run for roughly 60 km, of which a couple of kilometres are lit and open to walk on your own, with high halls, an underground lake and light and sound shows. Above ground stand the old lime works and kilns. The mines are also one of the largest bat winter roosts in northern Europe, said to hold many thousands of hibernating bats, and a Danish dairy ripens cheese in a far section of the galleries. People come for a cool, slightly eerie family outing that works in any weather. The honest caveat: it is seasonal, closed through the winter for the bats, and it is a one- to two-hour stop rather than a full day, so pair it with Viborg or the Hald lakes.

Monsted Kalkgruber, Kalkvaerksvej, Monsted, west of Viborg, Monsted, Central Denmark Region, Denmark

Seasonal: open roughly from spring (around Easter or April) to the autumn school holiday in October, daily in the Danish summer holiday (late June to early August) and on a reduced pattern in spring and autumn; closed through the winter, roughly November to March, while the bats hibernate - confirm the current season dates and last entry before you travel. By car it is about 300 km and roughly 3.5 to 4 hours from Copenhagen over the Great Belt Bridge (toll), and about 1 hour 15 minutes from Aarhus via Viborg. By public transport, take the train to Viborg (roughly 3.5 to 4 hours from Copenhagen with a change, about 1 hour from Aarhus), then a regional bus towards Skive or Monsted, or a taxi - check Rejseplanen. No booking needed for a normal visit; groups and special events should book.

Monsted Limestone Mines on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos