Visiting the Sala silver mine - an exciting destination

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | What is it like to visit the Sala silver mine? Here you can go down into a historic mine, learn more about life as a miner and discover a place that has had enormous significance for the history of Sweden. We visited the Sala silver mine many years ago and have since returned to experience it again. Join us both above and below ground!

Sala silver mine – a mine with a long history

Sala Silver Mine is located in Sala in Västmanland and is one of Sweden's most famous historical mines. Silver mining began here as early as the end of the 15th century, and for several hundred years the mine was an important source of wealth for the Swedish state.

The mine had its heyday in the 16th century, when large quantities of silver were extracted. In total, about 450 tons of silver have been mined here throughout history, as well as large quantities of lead and other metals. The main silver mining ceased in 1908, but mining activities also occurred later in the 20th century.

The mine eventually became very deep. Queen Christina's shaft was the deepest in the world at the end of the 17th century, and Carl XI's shaft later reached a depth of a whopping 318.6 meters. That's almost as deep as the Eiffel Tower is high!

But life as a miner was hardly a bed of roses. Working days could be 10–12 hours long, six days a week, and the work underground was both hard and dangerous. For a long time, fire was also used to crack the rock, a method called tillmakning.

Today, Sala silver mine is a tourist destination where you can discover the historic mining environment and gain insight into how the work was done.

Visiting the Sala silver mine - above ground

When we arrived at the Sala silver mine, we started by exploring the area above ground. There are several historical buildings and exhibitions that tell the story of the mine and its importance.

During our visit, we first looked at a charming temporary exhibition featuring portraits of Queen Christina, created by local artists. We then continued to an exhibition about the history of the mine.

The exhibition was quite simple in its design, but we still learned a lot of interesting things. Above all, we were impressed by how important the Swedish mining industry once was, even from a European perspective.

It's worth setting aside some time for the above-ground area, although the big adventure for many is of course getting down into the mine itself.

Down in the Sala silver mine – 60 meters underground

Then it was time for the highlight: going down into the Sala silver mine! We had visited the mine once before, about 15 years before our return visit. Then we got to ride an elevator down through the Knektschaktet to a depth of 155 meters. It was a fascinating experience, and we also remember the special mining suite that was down there and that could be booked for overnight stays.

On our later visit, the elevator was no longer in use. Instead, we had to take the stairs down to a depth of 60 meters, which meant about 370 steps in each direction.

We started with a safety briefing above ground and then went down on our own. At different levels in the mine there were guides who told us about the history of the mine and how the work had been done.

It was a special feeling to move through the old mine shafts, surrounded by rock walls and traces of hundreds of years of work. The guides were knowledgeable and engaged, and we got many interesting stories about life underground.

All in all, it was both an exciting and educational visit. And even though the stairs were tiring, we probably shouldn't complain. In the past, miners could be transported up and down the shaft in large barrels or baskets, under conditions that would hardly have passed today's safety checks!

Note: How far down you can go and how the mine tours are conducted are subject to change, so always check current tours and availability on the Sala Silver Mine website before visiting.

Food, coffee and accommodation at the Sala silver mine

After a visit to the mine, it can be nice to warm up and have something to eat. The area has a restaurant, Konstmästargården, which serves food and coffee in a historic setting.

There is also the possibility of staying overnight in connection with the mining area, including at Bed & Breakfast Marketenteriet.

There is parking for both cars and campers at the mine, but no specific parking space. For overnight stays with a camper or caravan, the mine recommended Sofielund, Väsby Kungsgården or Silvköparen during our visit. We have no experience of these places and continued on our own to Bredsands camping in Enkoping.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

• Things to do in Västerås
• Anundshög
• Tidö Castle
• Strömsholm Castle
• Vallby open-air museum
• Things to do in Borlänge