Saalfeld (dpa/sn) – The Saalfeld fairy grottoes attracted around 130,000 visitors this year. “We look back on the past twelve months with great satisfaction,” said Managing Director Yvonne Wagner on Wednesday. The show mine has not yet reached the level it was before the corona pandemic, but according to the information the numbers are going up again: in 2021 the show mine booked around 94,500 guests on visitor tours, family tours or flashlight tours – with corona-related restrictions. In 2019, 142,000 visitors came to Saalfeld.

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 to linger.

According to Wagner, three well-attended days of the open healing gallery made it clear that there was a need for this natural healing method. “We want to make it even better known that the offer is also an option for children to strengthen their immune systems.” In January, an inspection is scheduled for the first time, during which cleaning and repairs will be carried out underground. The fairy grottos open again in February.