Estonian Mining Museum

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On the site of the Kohtla mine in the Kohtla-Järve region, the Estonian Mining Museum is an immersive look into the industrial history of Estonia. The first written records of burning stone in this location date back to 1777 and mining began in 1916, where exhibitions and interactive activities have since been established for visitors. Witness the quarries and beautiful water erosion underground by pre-ordering one of the experiences, including a “Miner’s quick course” that takes you through aisles 8 meters underground and lets you ride a real train, or opt for the “open-cast mine safari” through the former Aidu oil shale, covered with forest, limestone fields, ditches and artificial lakes. Book a tour of the Mining Museum for €5, where you’ll explore the enrichment plant built in 1956, look out from an observation platform, see a drilling machine simulator and enter the former mining passages. A cafe is also on site for a delicious refreshment after your authentic underground experiences. The Estonian Mining Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday year round, from 11:00 to 17:00 and you must book in advance. Photo by Bernt Rostad (https://www.flickr.com/people/67975030@N00) under CC BY 2.0