Schieferstollen Nordenau, Sauerland, Germany

## Overview The Schieferstollen Nordenau (Nordenau Slate Mine) is a remarkable natural spring located inside a former slate mine tunnel in the small village of Nordenau, nestled in the scenic Sauerland highlands of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Unique in Europe, this spring emerges from deep within the ancient slate rock, and the site has drawn visitors from around the world who are interested in its reputed healing and restorative properties. The slate mine itself dates back centuries, and the spring water flows naturally through the mineral-rich geological formations of the region. The Sauerland area is well known for its pristine forests, rolling hills, and long tradition of mineral and healing springs. The Nordenau spring gained wider attention in the 1990s when reports circulated about the water's unusual qualities, and it has since become a destination for those seeking natural spring water in an extraordinary underground setting. Visitors have reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and fresh, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers alike. The spring is managed under the name "Aqua Vitalis" and is open to the public daily. ## Directions 1. From Düsseldorf, head east approximately 100 km toward the Sauerland region. 2. Follow the A45 motorway southeast, then take regional roads toward Schmallenberg and the village of Nordenau. 3. Once in Nordenau, navigate to **Talweg 14, 57392 Nordenau** — this is the nearest address to the spring entrance. 4. The Schieferstollen (slate tunnel) entrance and spring are located at or very near this address. **GPS Coordinates:** 51.180962, 8.431122 ## What to Expect Upon arrival, you'll enter a former slate mining tunnel to reach the spring — a truly unique experience that sets this site apart from virtually every other natural spring in Europe. The underground environment is cool and atmospheric, with the spring water emerging from the slate rock formations deep inside the tunnel. The spring is open every day from **8:00 to 18:30**, making it accessible for both morning and afternoon visits. The village of Nordenau itself is a quiet, picturesque hamlet in the Sauerland highlands, surrounded by dense forests and gentle hills — well worth exploring before or after your visit to the spring. Because the spring is located underground, temperatures inside the tunnel remain cool year-round, so bringing a light jacket is advisable even in summer. Visitors typically bring their own bottles or containers to collect water. The setting is peaceful and well-maintained, and the experience of drinking spring water inside an old slate mine is truly one of a kind.