Bergbau-Museum Bochum: Tours & Insider Tips

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is one of the most important technology museums in the world and an absolute must for every visitor to Bochum. With over 400,000 visitors a year, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is one of the most popular attractions in the Ruhr region. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything worth knowing about tours and opening hours, plus valuable insider tips for your visit to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum.

Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum - History and Significance

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum was founded in 1930 and is today the largest mining museum in the world. As a Leibniz Research Museum for Georesources, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum brings together research, teaching and public engagement under one roof.

The four tours through the museum

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is divided into four thematic tours:

• Coal: The history of coal mining in the Ruhr region
• Mining: Mining techniques from around the world
• Mineral resources: The formation and use of raw materials
• Art: Mining in art and culture

Each tour at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum offers unique insights into different aspects of mining and raw material extraction.

The winding tower as a landmark

The 71.4-metre-high winding tower is the unmistakable landmark of the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum. From the viewing platform at a height of 62 metres, you'll enjoy a spectacular view over Bochum and the entire Ruhr region.

💡 Tip: Visit the winding tower on a clear day for the best views over Bochum.

Tours at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum offers various tour formats for different groups of visitors. The experienced guides share fascinating knowledge about the history of mining and make your visit to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum an unforgettable experience.

Public tours

Public tours at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum take place regularly:

• Saturdays: 2:00pm (duration: 90 minutes)
• Sundays: 11:00am and 2:00pm (duration: 90 minutes)
• Public holidays: 2:00pm (duration: 90 minutes)
• Cost: 3 euros in addition to admission

Group tours and special formats

For groups of 10 or more, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum offers bespoke tours:

1. Themed tours: Tailored specifically to your interests
2. Foreign-language tours: Available in English, French or Dutch
3. Children's tours: Age-appropriate content for young visitors
4. Evening tours: Exclusive tours after regular opening hours

💡 Tip: Book group tours at least two weeks in advance at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum.

Opening hours and admission prices

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum has the following opening hours:

Regular opening hours

• Tuesday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Saturday, Sunday, public holidays: 10:00am - 5:00pm
• Closed on Mondays (except on public holidays)

Admission prices for the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum

• Adults: 10 euros
• Concessions: 5 euros (pupils, students, senior citizens)
• Children under 18: Free admission
• Family ticket: 20 euros (2 adults + children)

Demonstration mine and winding tower

A visit to the demonstration mine and winding tower at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is included in the admission price. However, both attractions are only accessible at certain times:

• Demonstration mine: Daily 10:00am - 4:30pm (every 30 minutes)
• Winding tower: Daily 10:00am - 4:00pm (weather permitting)

💡 Tip: Allow at least 4-5 hours for a full visit to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum.

The demonstration mine - 20 metres underground

An absolute highlight of the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is the demonstration mine, 20 metres underground. Here you'll experience first-hand how miners worked below ground.

Features of the demonstration mine

The demonstration mine at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum features authentic reconstructions:

• Historic extraction methods, from manual labour to mechanisation
• Original mining machinery and tools
• Recreated working conditions underground
• Interactive stations to try out for yourself

Safety information for the demonstration mine

Special rules apply for visiting the demonstration mine at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum:

1. Minimum age: 3 years
2. Clothing: Sturdy footwear required
3. Temperature: A constant 12°C underground
4. Group size: Maximum of 25 people per tour

💡 Tip: Bring warm clothing - the demonstration mine at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum maintains a temperature of 12°C all year round.

Special exhibitions and events

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum offers changing special exhibitions and events throughout the year. These complement the permanent exhibition with current themes and additional aspects of mining.

Current special exhibitions

Information about current special exhibitions at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum can be found on the official website. Special exhibitions often cover:

• International mining traditions
• Modern raw material extraction
• Environmental aspects of mining
• Cultural history of the Ruhr region

Events calendar

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum regularly organises:

• Talks: Academic presentations on current research topics
• Workshops: Hands-on experiences for different age groups
• Family days: Special programmes for families with children
• Long Night of Museums: Exclusive evening events

💡 Tip: Subscribe to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum newsletter to stay informed about new exhibitions and events.

Getting there and parking

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is easily accessible by both public transport and car.

Address of the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum

Am Bergbaumuseum 28, 44791 Bochum

Getting there by public transport

The best route to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum:

• U-Bahn: Line U35 to the "Deutsches Bergbau-Museum" stop
• Bus: Lines 339, 354, 355 to the "Bergbaumuseum" stop
• S-Bahn: S1 to Bochum Hauptbahnhof, then continue with the U35

Parking

For visitors travelling by car, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum offers:

• Museum car park: Directly at the museum (charges apply)
• Ruhr-Universität car park: 5-minute walk
• Street parking: In the surrounding area (limited parking duration)

💡 Tip: Use the Park+Ride facilities at the S-Bahn stations and take public transport to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum.

Food and museum shop

Your visit to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is rounded off with additional services.

"Pferdegöpel" Restaurant

The museum's own restaurant at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum offers:

• Regional specialities from the Ruhr region
• International cuisine
• Vegetarian and vegan options
• Special children's menus

Restaurant opening hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
• Hot food: 11:30am - 3:00pm
• Coffee and cake: Available all day

Museum shop

The shop at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum stocks:

• Specialist books on mining and geology
• Souvenirs and gift items
• Minerals and fossils
• Toys for children

💡 Tip: The museum shop at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum has unique souvenirs you won't find anywhere else.

📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Bochum on our city page.

Conclusion: Your visit to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is without doubt one of the top attractions in Bochum and the entire Ruhr region. With its unique combination of science, history and technology, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum offers visitors of all ages fascinating insights into the world of mining.

The key points for your visit:

1. Allow enough time - at least 4-5 hours for the full experience
2. Book tours in advance - especially for groups and special formats
3. Visit both the museum and the demonstration mine - both are part of the complete experience
4. Make use of the viewing platform - the view over Bochum is spectacular
5. Find out about special exhibitions - these perfectly complement the standard programme

Visit the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mining!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum

How long does a visit to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum take? For a full visit to the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum, you should allow 4-5 hours. This includes the permanent exhibition, the demonstration mine and the winding tower.

Is the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum accessible? Yes, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is largely accessible. Exceptions are the demonstration mine and the winding tower, due to the structural conditions.

Can you take photographs at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum? Photography for private purposes is generally permitted at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum. Different rules may apply in special exhibitions.

Are there any concessions for the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum? Yes, pupils, students, senior citizens and people with disabilities receive reduced admission at the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum. Children under 18 have free admission.

What's the best time to visit the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum? On weekday mornings, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is usually less crowded. At weekends and during the holidays, you should allow more time.