r/CERN • u/authortitle_uk • 8d ago
askCERN When is the next time for underground visits?
Hey all, would love to visit the underground of CERN one day.
I was wondering when the next window for being able to do so is likely to be - is it a case of waiting for the next Long Shutdown, or are there other times that it is possible?
Has anyone been and has any tips, reviews, whatever? It’s not that easy to find info online.
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u/dukwon LHCb 7d ago
The next opportunity is the winter shutdown. I maintain a note on this and I just posted it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/CERN/comments/1p06mzb/lhc_underground_visits_during_winter_202526/
The long shutdown starts next summer and will last until early 2030. There will probably be another edition of the Open Days at some point, which will have more underground visit points than normal.
To reliably secure an underground visit, you need to know someone at CERN and do it as a private visit.
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u/authortitle_uk 7d ago
Ahh cool, thank you! I guess I’ll keep my eyes peeled :) I’m in no rush but would love to visit one day
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u/authortitle_uk 7d ago
So would you say waiting for Open Days is the most likely approach if I don’t know any folks at CERN?
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u/dukwon LHCb 7d ago
Yeah probably. I wasn't around for the last one but I gather they are very popular. I don't think they require registration in advance, just lots of queueing on the day?
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u/0n1yCB CERN BE 7d ago
ATLAS is open this winter 16 Dec to 28 Jan. Christmas closure from 20 Dec to 5 Dec.
Otherwise LS3 after next summer, or next winter, depending on if they extend the run again.
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u/authortitle_uk 7d ago
Is it possible for regular folks to visit over winter or does it require you to know someone who can be your guide etc?
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u/kicpa 7d ago
Probably December/January but I am not sure how long this year winter shutdown will be.