Falun - Falu Mine
On the southwest side of Falun is the Falu Mine (Falu Gruva), which is reached by way of Gruvgatan. The opencast workings extend over an area 400m/440yd by 350m/380yd and are up to 95m/310ft deep; below this the underground workings go down to a depth of 450m/1,475ft. In the middle of the 17th century the mine produced some 3,000 tons of crude copper annually, or about two-thirds of total world output at that time.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Its total output to date amounts to some 500,000 tons. The collapse of underground galleries in 1687, 1833 and 1876 led to the decline of this "treasurehouse of the realm" and to the development of the present opencast workings (Stora Stöten), which yield mainly iron pyrites, zinc and lead (annual output of ore about 150,000 tons).
Related Attractions
Stora Kopparberget
The Falu mine belongs to Stora Kopparberget, probably the oldest industrial corporation in the world (its predecessor being mentioned in an episcopal letter of 1288 and a royal charter of 1347). In 1888 Stora Kopparberget became a limited company, and it is now one of the largest industrial concerns in Sweden, its main interests being in metals and woodworking.
There are conducted tours of the mine from May to the end of August. Adjoining the workings is the Stora Kopparberg Museum, housed in the 18th century mine offices, with models of the mine, displays of minerals and a collection of copper coins.
There are conducted tours of the mine from May to the end of August. Adjoining the workings is the Stora Kopparberg Museum, housed in the 18th century mine offices, with models of the mine, displays of minerals and a collection of copper coins.
Hours
May 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 11:30 | 11:30 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
