Sala Silver Mine

Sala was the crown's most valuable mine in the sixteenth century - the silver here paid for a good deal of Gustav Vasa's state - and it was worked in various forms until 1908. The guided tours go down by stair and lift through the old workings to 155 metres, past chambers, water wheels and the galleries cut by hand, in a temperature that sits around two degrees year round whatever the season. A suite has been built at 155 metres and can be booked for the night, which is billed as the deepest hotel room in the world. Above ground the site keeps the mining buildings, the ponds and canals that powered the pumps, and walking paths.

What you actually see

• A descent to 155 metres - by stair and lift into the workings.
• Hand-cut galleries and chambers - and the old water wheels.
• A room at the bottom - bookable for the night.
• Ponds and canals above - the water system that ran the pumps.

When to go

May to September for the full tour range. Two to three hours.

Honest expectations

It is around two degrees underground - warm clothing is required regardless of the season. Tours involve many stairs and tight passages. Booking is needed in summer. The deep tour is not suitable for everyone.

Nearby

Sala town is close; Vasteras and Malaren are south.