Fluweelengrot
Historic marl cave in Valkenburg with wall drawings and medieval escape tunnels leading to the largest castle ruin in the Netherlands.
About the museum
The Fluweelengrot is one of the oldest underground tunnel systems in South Limburg. It was created by the quarrying of marl, a soft limestone that block cutters hacked out of the hill by hand over the centuries – among other things as building stone for Valkenburg Castle. What remained is a branching labyrinth whose walls were decorated with drawings and sculptures in the 19th and 20th centuries. The cave also contains an 18th-century refuge chapel, and during World War II the tunnel system served as a hiding place.
The cave and the castle are closely linked: medieval escape tunnels, rediscovered only in 1937, lead from the cave up to the castle ruin on the Heunsberg. The castle, whose history goes back to the early 12th century, was the seat of the powerful lords of Valkenburg and is considered the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands. After several sieges and rebuildings, Stadtholder William III had it blown up in December 1672 to keep it from falling into enemy hands. Today it is the largest castle ruin in the country.
Since 1924 the Stichting Kasteel van Valkenburg has looked after the preservation of and access to both monuments. Since 2017 it has been listed in the Dutch Museum Register. For safety reasons, visitors can explore the cave only on a guided tour, and at the end they pass through the escape tunnels to the ruin, which they can then explore on their own. During Advent the cave is transformed into a popular underground Christmas market.
Highlights
- Guided tour through one of the oldest marl tunnel systems in South Limburg
- Wall drawings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries
- Underground refuge chapel from the 18th century
- Medieval escape tunnels leading up to the castle ruin
- The largest castle ruin in the Netherlands and the country's only hilltop castle
- Underground Christmas market in November and December
- Operated by
- Stichting Kasteel van Valkenburg
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €16.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €12free up to age 5 · Free up to and including age 5; ages 6–15 €12; from age 16 the adult price applies |
| Seniors | –No discount for seniors (65+) |
| Students & apprentices | –No student discount |
| Groups (25+ people) | €16 per personFrom 25 people; children aged 6–15 €11; private guide €20 (outside regular hours or in a foreign language €25, both €30), reservation fee €15 |
Free with the Museumkaart (not during the Christmas market; online booking is not possible with the Museumkaart). For the cave, only combination tickets with the castle ruin are available, since the tour ends at the ruin; the ruin alone can be booked separately. Free scavenger hunt for the ruin when booking online. Separate tickets and combination deals apply to the Christmas market.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The cave is fully accessible with a (power) wheelchair, rollator and stroller; the castle ruin only partially. Accessible restrooms at both the cave and the ruin. Dogs are allowed (except during the Christmas market).
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Child-friendly tours of the cave; on the ruin there is a scavenger hunt (free when booking online). Strollers are no problem in the cave, but of limited use on the ruin. Occasional events such as a medieval knights' camp.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking in the Parking ’t Centrum garage (Daalhemerweg 8) or on the Daalhemerweg. Buses: Geulpark parking lot (Geulpark 8) or Holland Casino parking lot (Cauberg 28).
Located in the center of Valkenburg aan de Geul, easy to reach by car, bike and public transport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
"Rooftopbar Tash" with a terrace at the entrance to the castle ruin. Payment at the cave ticket desk by cash or card, at the ruin ticket desk cashless only; credit cards are accepted.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The cave and ruin can be rented for group activities; at the entrance to the ruin there is a restaurant with meeting facilities. Details on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 50 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | no |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The cave can only be visited on a guided tour (about 50–60 min., a constant 12 °C – bring warm clothing); afterward, explore the ruin on your own (45–60 min.). Allow 2–2.5 hours for both. Online booking recommended; remaining spots available at the ticket desk. Free AR app with a virtual reconstruction of the castle. School programs on knights, cave drawings and wartime history. |
