In Germany's post-industrial Ruhr Valley, coal mining was once one of the defining economic activities. Although those days are long gone, the area's past is still well-remembered through the attractions of the Industrial Heritage Trail. That includes the German Mining Museum, the largest such museum in the world.

The first thing that visitors will notice is the giant mining headframe relocated from the Germania coal mine in Dortmund. Today, it serves as an observation deck for the surrounding area. The museum itself has exhibits on the history and unique features of mining, especially in Germany but also in different parts of the world. Highlights include a seven-ton tree fossil found within a coal seam and a 3.401-carat black diamond.

For those who find mere museums boring, a more immersive experience is available at the recreated show mine underneath the building. At 2.5 km long, it was never actually used for mining, but still provides an accurate depiction of what an subterranean coal mine was like.…