Olavsgruva

The desolate hills surrounding Røros are riddled with abandoned copper mines, some dating back to the 16th century. Olavsgruva was the last one to close down operations, in 19xx, but is now open for tours -- Saturdays only in winter.

The mine is a honeycomb of interconnected passageways with pillars of rock left to keep the roof from collapsing. Only a few of these are lit with strings of incandescent bulbs for the guided tour.

While the attire is otherwise informal, hardhats are required.

Here some wood framing is being devoured by an otherworldly fungus.

And here is some copper sulfate deposited by seep water.

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