Steenkolenmijn Valkenburg
Steenkolenmijn Valkenburg
4
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:45 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The Netherlands' last coal mineUnique in EuropeDiscover the world of mining in a mysterious underground environment. Begin your introduction to the world of the miners in our subterranean cinema, designed to look like a mine. Here you will see a unique promotional film by the Dutch State Mines (now the chemical company DSM) from the mid-1960s. This film will tell you all about the mining industry.FascinatingAfter the film, a former miner will lead you through the world of coal mining. Experience the excitement of the difficult work of the miners. Take a journey through time past the machines which were used to extract coal.Each visit is uniqueOur fourteen guides are all former coal miners with a wealth of experience working underground. Each guide has a unique presentation full of humour and personal anecdotes which make the past come alive. Demonstrations of mining machines add to the mood. These machines work by means of a specially-installed compressed air system, just like they used to use in the mines.Visitors with disabilitiesThe Steenkolenmijn and the Jan Kruysen Gallery are easily accessible to visitors with disabilities and wheelchair users.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
384 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
147
Average
42
Poor
15
Terrible
10
Johnny19039
Dusseldorf, Germany2,334 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
The museum can only be visited with a guided tour, which cannot be booked in advance. The Dutch Museumkaart is not accepted, but it is no problem to get a ticket.
First they show a very old, much too long movie about mining, in which you can see miners completely naked in the shower. This is a questionable thing, because there are many minors among the visitors.
Afterwards, a former miner gives a tour through a reconstructed coal mine in an old quarry. The tour took much longer than planned on the day of our visit, so we had to skip another attraction afterwards due to time constraints.
One criticism was that the group size was much too large, as the narrow corridors meant that the group was spread out, so we couldn't hear many of the explanations and could barely see the exhibits as there were always people standing in front of them.
However, the main point of criticism was the very uneven paths with many tripping hazards. At one point, the path suddenly dropped several steps without warning and with little lighting. There was a railing on the right, which I used for safety, but it was completely useless as it was very slippery due to the high humidity and offered no support. I slipped on the steps, could barely hold on, and hit my arms against the wall when I turned, causing abrasions. Fortunately, two visitors caught me so I didn't hit the ground completely. I don't understand why they don't illuminate the visitors' walkway more brightly in dangerous places and why they don't put up clear warning signs in several languages. The railings should also be coated with a non-slip material.
First they show a very old, much too long movie about mining, in which you can see miners completely naked in the shower. This is a questionable thing, because there are many minors among the visitors.
Afterwards, a former miner gives a tour through a reconstructed coal mine in an old quarry. The tour took much longer than planned on the day of our visit, so we had to skip another attraction afterwards due to time constraints.
One criticism was that the group size was much too large, as the narrow corridors meant that the group was spread out, so we couldn't hear many of the explanations and could barely see the exhibits as there were always people standing in front of them.
However, the main point of criticism was the very uneven paths with many tripping hazards. At one point, the path suddenly dropped several steps without warning and with little lighting. There was a railing on the right, which I used for safety, but it was completely useless as it was very slippery due to the high humidity and offered no support. I slipped on the steps, could barely hold on, and hit my arms against the wall when I turned, causing abrasions. Fortunately, two visitors caught me so I didn't hit the ground completely. I don't understand why they don't illuminate the visitors' walkway more brightly in dangerous places and why they don't put up clear warning signs in several languages. The railings should also be coated with a non-slip material.
Written July 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaartjes kunnen vooraf online aangeschaft worden en de overige kritiek had u kunnen voorkomen door wat voorbereiding en een bezoek aan onze site, waar ook de tickets geboekt hadden kunnen worden.
Written September 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ryan
103 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Well, I'm not sure how bad it is, I didn't get in! We arrived 25 minutes before the tour and the parking lot was full, so we couldn't get in. It was not possible to find a parking lot closer than 25 min on foot, so I ended up dropping my family of at the entrance and then I waited for them at the distant parking lot. My family told me I didn't miss much, there was total chaos and the tour was in Dutch. They give you an english pamflet to compensate. Ridicilous that there are no guides that speak english at a tourist attraction. Well, the conclusion must be, that this is only for dutch people!
Tip: Arrive at least 30 min before the tour and park at Couberg parking (€2 per hour - you need coins!) near the casino.
Tip: Arrive at least 30 min before the tour and park at Couberg parking (€2 per hour - you need coins!) near the casino.
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Het spijt ons dat u niet de rondleiding heeft gehad die u had verwacht. Het is vanwege corona extreem druk omdat nu iedereen met de auto komt. Onze excuses hiervoor.
Written July 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ireyfamily
Wassenaar, The Netherlands10 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
In a country where everyone speaks English, somehow this tour was entirely in Dutch. It was my fault because I didn't inquire about the language when I purchased tickets but I have been on plenty of tours in foreign countries and the guide will give at least a short explanation in English. The tour also ran 1.5 hours so I was trapped in the caves with my young children just bidding time until we could leave. What a shame because I think the guide (a former miner) was probably telling jokes based on the Dutch audience response, and I'm sure that it was interesting.
Written November 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very sorry for your less then perfect experience. We have an English leaflet withe the complete tour for English speaking guests. I suspect that you did not got it. We apologize for that.
Written November 29, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Companion814110
1 contribution
Sep 2018 • Friends
The museum itself is well laid out but the commentary is all in Dutch.
If you are an English speaker you are given a leaflet which has numbers corresponding with each section. Here’s the problem ..... this leaflet is in very small print which you are expected to read in the dark and each section has a small paragraph whilst the guide took (in some cases) 15 mins to tell the Danish speakers about.
With today’s technology surely a headset commentary would have been available. Really spoilt the tour particularly as it was 2 hours long which seemed a lot longer as attention span was lost at beginning.
Word of warning the card machine does not accept credit cards and only small amount of debit so bring cash.
If you are an English speaker you are given a leaflet which has numbers corresponding with each section. Here’s the problem ..... this leaflet is in very small print which you are expected to read in the dark and each section has a small paragraph whilst the guide took (in some cases) 15 mins to tell the Danish speakers about.
With today’s technology surely a headset commentary would have been available. Really spoilt the tour particularly as it was 2 hours long which seemed a lot longer as attention span was lost at beginning.
Word of warning the card machine does not accept credit cards and only small amount of debit so bring cash.
Written September 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liron F
Ness Ziona, Israel3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
No signs in English. The tour is available in dutch only...The ticket office is selling tickets and promise translation in english eventhoigh there is no English soeaking guide.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The tour is in Dutch, we provide a leaflet with English translation at the start of the tour. Perhaps it was not clear at the box office that you were of foren origin and they didn't offer you this leaflet. If so we apologise for this oversight.
Written August 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leticia C
10 contributions
Oct 2019
Very nice place to visit and learn more about the coalmines and how it worked. The guide was very funny and told a lot of real stories.
You spend almost 1 hour there, but it`s worth.
You spend almost 1 hour there, but it`s worth.
Written November 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you forr your nice review and the 5 stars.
Written November 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric A
Mariposa, CA53 contributions
Oct 2019
You start your vist with a movie about the hard labour underground, this is the first you take your hat off for those miners....
The visit starts on a slow pace but get more and more impressive along the way. Even when your are not 500 meters below the surface, the feeling is there... all the machinery the used is on show and working, I could not have worked all they in such a noice.
The approx. 75 minutes tour gives you a good impression of what the life of a coalminer must have been and I for one am not jealous at all...
The visit starts on a slow pace but get more and more impressive along the way. Even when your are not 500 meters below the surface, the feeling is there... all the machinery the used is on show and working, I could not have worked all they in such a noice.
The approx. 75 minutes tour gives you a good impression of what the life of a coalminer must have been and I for one am not jealous at all...
Written October 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review.
Written November 1, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary D
Adare, Ireland9 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
There are some simple administrative things that would enhance this tour for an English speaking person unless it is not meant for this group??First when we arrived there was nobody in the ticket office. The next tour time was on a clock in the window but it didn’t advise what the tour was. I took my husband to see the sand sculptures as I had done this at Christmas but subsequently found out that the tour was of the coalmine. No information was given at ticket purchase about a combined ticket. Had somebody been at the desk to sell tickets we could have done the sand sculptures visit while waiting for the mine tour. This is just very poor planning and lack of communication. As it turned out we finished our tour at 4 and so it was too late to do the sand sculptures.
I agree with all the other comments gone before re the English speaking aspect of the tour. Nothing appears to have changed despite feedback so I might be wasting my time.
Suggestions
1.someone on the entrance desk at all times
2. An audio tour in English or English tours at certain times of day
3. A price reduction if you speak English as you miss quality aspects of the information being given
4. Better information re the two potential parts to the visit to enable purchasing of a combination ticket
This experience could have been so much better as it is a worthwhile trip with an interesting guide (I think). Also the demonstrations provided during the visit provide atmosphere enhancing the reality of a mining experience.
I could not recommend it to an English speaking person as it stands.
I agree with all the other comments gone before re the English speaking aspect of the tour. Nothing appears to have changed despite feedback so I might be wasting my time.
Suggestions
1.someone on the entrance desk at all times
2. An audio tour in English or English tours at certain times of day
3. A price reduction if you speak English as you miss quality aspects of the information being given
4. Better information re the two potential parts to the visit to enable purchasing of a combination ticket
This experience could have been so much better as it is a worthwhile trip with an interesting guide (I think). Also the demonstrations provided during the visit provide atmosphere enhancing the reality of a mining experience.
I could not recommend it to an English speaking person as it stands.
Written July 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thanks for the review.
Due to staff shortage there was no one at the counter for a moment. We apologize for this.
Written July 23, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thesmee
Singapore65 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
The tour is really interesting, with lots of great information and a jolly tour guide. Unfortunately, as we don't speak Dutch, we had to make do with an English pamphlet, with short descriptions of the exhibits. We could tell from the reactions of our fellow participants that the guide shared lots of interesting information about each exhibit, in a humorous manner. It is a pity that we couldn't understand him. Still, it was pretty cool to visit the mine and see some of the machinery in action. I am giving this tour 3 stars because there was no English tour, but I believe the tour would be fantastic if you understand Dutch or have a translator with you.
Written October 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you forr your nice review.
Written October 31, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MijnlieverdFH
Tagum City, Philippines4,144 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
We had a great experience in visiting this coalmine cavern. The tour gave us an interesting experience how mining operates. The expert guide gave us the best information and how mine used to be operated.
Written October 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks forr the nice review.
Written October 8, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beste, hoe is het met de toegankelijkheid voor iemand die slecht te been is of in een rolstoel zit? Gr
Written December 27, 2018
Beste, de Steenkolenmijn Valkenburg is toegankelijk voor voor iemand die minder goed ter been is of in een normale rolstoel zit. Groeten Eric Caselli
Written December 28, 2018
Jammer dat er tussen de foto's van de steenkoolmijn in Valkenburg zoveel foto's staan van Valkenburg zelf, en zelfs eentje van een fiets??? Die zouden jullie beter kunnen verwijderen, lijkt mij.
Written September 4, 2016
Geachte heer,dame
Bedankt voor uw respons !
Ik heb even naar mijn bijdragen gekeken en m.n naar de 3 foto,s die ik van de kolenmijn ingezonden heb.
Er staan bij onze beoordeling geen foto,s van stads of fiets foto,s op
Mogelijk rechtstreeks diegene benaderen die deze foto,s heeft ingezonden,scheelt veel heen en weer geschrijf!
Written September 5, 2016
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