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Gemeentegrot: A Journey Through Valkenburg's Marl History

Explore the historic Gemeentegrot in Valkenburg: a former marl quarry with Roman roots, transformed into a unique underground experience.

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Descend into the Gemeentegrot, a former marl quarry beneath Valkenburg, where Romans once mined building materials. Explore the tunnels adorned with sculptures and paintings, and discover its use as a WWII air raid shelter and a unique Christmas market venue.

A brief summary to Gemeentegrot

  • Monday 11 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-7 pm
  • Friday 11 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Wear warm clothing, as the cave temperature remains around 12 degrees Celsius year-round.
  • Consider taking the train tour for a different perspective on the cave's vastness.
  • Check the Gemeentegrot's website for special tours and events, especially during the Christmas season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Valkenburg city center, the Gemeentegrot is located at the foot of the Cauberg. Walk towards the Thermae 2000 spa and Holland Casino, which are situated atop the Cauberg. The entrance to the Gemeentegrot is located on Cauberg 4. Walking from the city center takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Valkenburg, Wilhelminalaan, take bus line 4 towards Valkenburg, Cauberg. The bus ride is approximately 3 minutes, and the bus departs every 30 minutes. The cost is between €1 and €2. From the bus stop its a short walk to the entrance of the Gemeentegrot.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Cauberg 4, 6301 BT Valkenburg. Parking is available on the Cauberg. Parking costs €2.00 per hour, or €8.00 for a 24-hour period.

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Discover more about Gemeentegrot

The Gemeentegrot, or Municipal Cave, in Valkenburg is not a cave in the natural sense, but rather a man-made network of tunnels resulting from centuries of marl extraction. The Romans began quarrying here over 2000 years ago, seeking the readily available marlstone for construction. Over time, this activity created an extensive subterranean labyrinth. During the Middle Ages, the marl from Gemeentegrot was used to build castles and homes in Valkenburg. Mining continued until around 1950 when the Gemeentegrot was exhausted of good marl. The tunnels cover an area of 110 hectares, with a combined length of approximately 70 kilometers. Throughout its history, the Gemeentegrot has served various purposes. During World War II, it provided shelter for the local population during air raids. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 12 degrees Celsius, making it a popular overwintering spot for both people and bats. After the war, American soldiers even used the cave as a field hospital, leaving behind signatures and drawings that can still be seen today. Today, the Gemeentegrot is a tourist attraction offering guided tours on foot or by train. Visitors can explore the tunnels, admire the carvings and sculptures, and learn about the cave's rich history. Each year, the cave hosts a Christmas market, creating a unique and festive atmosphere.

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