MINE DIVER
SLATED TO EXPLORE
Not for the first time, divEr enters the fascinating netherworld of Felicitas, the flooded slate mine in the west of Germany. Our guide this time is KURT STORMS, who also took the striking photographs
Above: Willem with a forklift truck.
AS OFTEN, I undertake the trip with my regular dive-buddy Willem Verrycken. Willem has booked in advance. Early in the morning we load the car and leave for Sauerland, a 3.5-hour drive away from where we’re located in Belgium.
On arrival at the German mine we meet the manager, who tells us something about the place and what to expect.
Felicitas is located a couple of kilometres north-west of the spa resort Bad Fredeburg, which forms part of the town of Schmallenberg.
The mine opened in 1850, and was owned by the Hesse & Schneider company until 1990.