Overview:

are an underground complex of limestone mines and caverns located near Mønsted, Denmark. The mines are made up of almost 3 km of underground passages and were used to extract the region’s rich lime deposits. The mine complex includes a visitor center, a limestone-quarry pit, three different levels of underground tunnels, and a subterranean lake. Visitors can explore the ancient caverns and view the incredible underground scenery, while learning about the history of the region’s limestone mining industry. Many of the smaller caverns are home to different species of bats, making it a popular destination for bat conservationists. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of different activities when visiting the mine complex including hikes, biking trails, and educational tours. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Denmark
Prominent Features:

1. World’s Longest Underground Limestone Mine: Mønsted Limestone Mines is the world’s longest underground limestone mine with over 38 kilometers of corridors and chambers. 2. World's Largest Collection of Dinosaur Bones: Discovered in the Mønsted Limestone Mines in 1891, the site is now home to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur bones from the late Cretaceous period. 3. UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2008: Mønsted Limestone Mines has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 for its rich history and important geological and paleontological resources. 4. A Must-Visit Tourist Destination: Mønsted Limestone Mines is a prime tourist destination for the area, offering guided tours of the complex to visitors. 5. Unique Natural Phenomenon: The quarry exhibits a unique natural phenomenon – the red-spotted flint stones formed in the region are said to be less than 1 cm thick and can only be found in the mines of Mønsted. This national monument of Denmark portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Mønsted Limestone Mines have been part of the Danish cultural landscape since at least the 11th century as historical records document that there were limestone mine operations in the area at the time. It is likely that limestone quarrying at Mønsted began even earlier. Limestone quarries in Mønsted have been in continuous operation since at least 1205, when the King of Denmark granted one of the mines to Esbjerg Priory. By the 16th century, the King of Denmark had given away many of the limestone mine rights around Mønsted. In 1573 the King however, regained many of the mines and banded them together as one royal mines right, which today is known as "Mønsted Royal Mines". Mønsted Royal Mines were actively worked until the 19th century when, as a result of drifting underground mines and instability, many of the mines had to be closed due to safety concerns. Today, Mønsted Royal Mines are primarily used as a tourist attraction, both as a result of the natural beauty of the unique geological formations as well as to commemorate the important role the mines have had in Danish history. Some limestone quarrying continues at Mønsted, albeit on a much smaller scale than in the past. The limestone that is quarried at Mønsted is primarily used in the production of concrete and road-building materials. The historical importance of Mønsted Royal Mines as well as their natural beauty led to them being designated as a national park in 1933. They were placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Works Cited "Mønsted Limestone Caves - Denmark". zenithtraveltours.com. N.p., 2019. Web. 4 Feb. 2019. "Mønsted Limestone Caves of Møns Klint". geopark88.com. N.p., 2018. Web. 4 Feb. 2019. "The Mønsted Limestone Caves - A National Park". denmark.dk. N.p., 2018. Web. 4 Feb. 2019. "Mønsted Limestone Caves". Visitdenmark.com. N.p., 2019. Web. 4 Feb. 2019. You must visit one of these historical places in Denmark on your Denmark tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Mønsted Limestone Mines are one of the most extensive network of underground mines in the world. 2. The mines cover an area of more than 11,000 acres and are the second largest underground limestone reserves in the world. 3. There are a total of 14 separate underground chambers covering a distance of nearly 8 miles below ground. 4. Visitors can explore one of the chambers with the guidance of a tour guide. 5. The chambers were first created during the Bronze age, and have been used for mining limestone for centuries. 6. The limestone mined here was mainly used to produce cement, as well as for construction and farming purposes. 7. The Mønsted Limestone Mines are now recognized as a protected National Conservation Area. 8. The mines are visited by over 10,000 people annually, making them a popular tourist attraction. Visit one of the famous monuments of Denmark with your friends and family.