Saalfeld (dpa/th)
The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes attract a large number of tourists every year. After routine maintenance work, the stalactite caves can now be visited again.
After the annual maintenance, the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes reopen to visitors on Wednesday. In order for the colorful splendor of the stalactites to be preserved, they would have to be cleaned regularly, said those responsible.
Due to the large number of visitors, plant spores got into the show mine. These settled in the vicinity of lamps in particular and formed a green coating, it was said. This has now been removed again by stalactites and wooden elements.
Door frames of a route renewed
January was not only used for the routine inspection and repair of the technical, electrical and mining systems, it said. In order to continue to ensure safety underground in the future, the door frames of one section were completely renewed. The old support structure was removed in coordination with the mining authority and replaced by a new one made of durable robinia and oak wood.
Last year, the Saalfeld lured fairy grottos around 130,000 visitors. The show mine was opened more than 100 years ago and has delighted visitors with its colorful stalactites for generations. The “fairytale dome”, the oldest grotto, is particularly impressive. In the meantime, in addition to the former mine, a healing tunnel, an adventure museum and an adventure park invite visitors.
