Tykarpsgrottan

Tykarps Cavern


Useful Information

Location: Near Hässleholm.
(56.118306, 13.826014)
Open: 10-MAY to 30-JUN daily 10-17.
01-JUL to 20-AUG daily 10-18.
21-AUG to 20-SEP Sun 12-17.
[2005]
Fee: Adults SEK 60, Children (6-16) SEK 30.
Groups (20+): Adults SEK 45, Children (6-16) SEK 25.
[2007]
Classification: MineLimestone Mine
Light: LightIncandescent
Dimension: Ar=20,000m², T=8 °C.
Guided tours: V=40,000/a.
Photography:  
Accessibility:  
Bibliography:  
Address: Mr. Bengt Svensson, Tykarpsgrottan, Pl. 7137, S-28190 Hässleholm, Tel: +46-451-35087 or +46-451-35040 (also evenings), Fax: +46-451-35241. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

12th century start of limestone mining.
1888 mining stopped.
1950 opened for the public.

Description

In Sweden, like in all Scandinavian countries, limestone is rather rare and therefore valuable. Common rocks are crystalline and metamorphic rocks like granite or gneiss. So this layers of limestone were used very soon. The oldest buildings where the limestone was used, date back to the 12th century, so this is believed the begin of quarrying in Tykarpsgrottan.

In the first centuries, the quarrying activities occurred rather sporadic. The limestones were used primarily for stone houses like churches. The mining was intensified during 17th and 18th century, when more buildings were made using limestone.

From the 19th century several documents tell us how the mining was organised. Several people had the right to mine a certain amount of limestone, which was measured in tjyngar. Nobody knows today, how much a tjyng is, but it is estimated between 200 and 300 litre. The limestone was sold in barrels, which contained approximately 157 litre. The entitled people had the right to mine between three and twelve tjyngar, which was defined for everyone separately.

The limestone was not only used as a rock, it was burnt to lime, to make mortar and white colour. A lime kiln is only 100 meters from the entrance of Tykarpsgrottan away. Two reconstructed lime kilns at the entrance explain how burning lime worked.