English guided Tours will begin 1 July 2026
Taberg is a unique place on our planet. A monolith of iron ore protruding from the ground, it was formed 1,2 billion years ago. The ore consists of titanomagnitite olivine, with a low iron content of only about 30%, however the quality is very high.
Iron ore has been mined in Taberg since the 1400s. In 1621, King Gustav II Adolf established the Taberg Mining District to encourage mining, and by the 1800s, one in four residents near the mountain were engaged in mining activities.
Iron ore mining temporarily ceased in 1895. This was due to the establishment of railways opening up the possibility to transport iron ore from northern Sweden.
Production however resumed before World War II, starting in 1939, and ore extraction expanded on an unprecedented scale. The shafts, sites, and tunnels that can be visited were all built during this period.
The tunnels and mine passages that were blasted out of the mountain before its final closure in 1959 now serve as winter quarters for six different species of bats, access is restricted to protect them.
Guided tours into the mountain are offered during the summer months, where we provide information about the mountain, its geology, the unique fauna and flora surrounding the mountain, the bats, the cultural history, plants and other animals. During the summer there are hardly any bats inside the mine, they can however be seen outside after sunset.
We welcome groups from the beginning of May to mid-October. Please make your reservation by sending an email to info@tabergsgruvan.se
Our Guided tours in English
General tours take place at set times from the end of June to the end of August. Tours are offered in Swedish, German and English.
See times here.
Visitors may choose between a shorter or longer tour. Please note that pets are not allowed in the mine, with the exception of guide dogs on duty.
The shorter tour lasts approximately one hour, beginning with a 20‑minute introduction at the mountain entrance before we proceed inside. Conditions in the mine are cold and dark, so please bring a warm jacket and sturdy footwear. Helmets are required for all visitors; these can be borrowed free of charge, or you may use your own bicycle helmet. A flashlight is also necessary—your phone’s light is sufficient. The tour extends about 200 meters into the mountain and is largely adapted for wheelchair accessibility.
Our longer tour, is a bit more demanding and takes around 1.5 hours. It’s suitable for visitors aged 10 and up. We start with a walk around the mountain, making a few stops along the way, before heading inside. Here you’ll discover tunnels that were once closed to the public and follow the fascinating route of iron through the mountain. There is a 20‑meter spiral staircase that leads down into the lower mine shaft which comprises the shorter tour.
Things to do
At the foot of the mountain adjacent to the Museum, where we are located, there is a municipal toilet that is open during the summer months. There is also an inviting covered barbecue area. The municipality provides firewood, but it is always good to bring your own just in case.
Starting from the Museum there are hiking trails up to the summit of Taberg, it takes about half an hour and is well worth the effort. At the top there is a restaurant and adventure golf course. In good weather, you can enjoy beautiful views over the forests all the way to Lake Vättern and Omberg.
Parts of the mine shown on the shorter tour are wheelchair accessible.
Parking is available at the train station, from where it’s a 300-meter walk to the mine. For people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users, there are three parking spaces near the museum, as well as a public, accessible restroom.
Pets, with the exception of certified assistance dogs, are not allowed in the mine.
The tours are conducted by the non-profit organization “Tabergs Gruvguider.”
Welcome!