Constructed in 1855, a visit to Zabrze’s Guido Coal Mine allows hard-hatted adventurers to plunge an initial 170m below ground, via a rattling cage elevator, while learning about the world of coal extraction. From there it’s non-stop action as visitors view numerous tunnels and shafts that look just like they did at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Three separate tours are available, each descending deeper into the mine and with more protective gear required (included in the price). Along the way are numerous pieces of clunky, rusty machinery, including drainage pumps from 1914 and various drilling equipment that looks like it could have played a part in that hangover you had on New Years’ Day. This is a full-on interactive masterpiece that doesn’t just settle for displays of Davy Lamps and long-dead equipment. Of course it does that, but it also goes further with sound effects (braying horses and equipment going ‘kerchung, kerchung’), and a separate ‘art floor’ consisting of multimedia exhibits and cinematic presentations. The descent continues to -320m where you can travel by the wuppertale suspension railway, visit Europe's deepest underground bar, Pub 320, in the Pump Hall (separate 10zł ticket), or maybe even see a concert, exhibition or other cultural event which are often held here. Going further still to -355m, this is where you get to roll your sleeves up and experience the real life of a miner using various pieces of equipment, under the watchful eye of former miners.

All visits to Guido are conducted with a tour guide; Polish tours cost 60/47zł; tours in any other language must be booked in advance by phone (65/47zł p/person, plus 250zł group fee for the translator). To get to the mine from the centre of Zabrze take tram no. 3 or regular buses 7, 23, 47, 111, 198 or 199, getting off at 'Guido Kopalnia Zabytkowa;' the trip takes 10mins.