North Caves Maastricht: A Journey Through History
Explore Maastricht's hidden history in the North Caves: a unique underground adventure awaits!
The North Caves Maastricht Underground, located beneath St. Pietersberg hill, presents a unique exploration into Maastricht's past. These man-made caves originated as marl quarries around 700 years ago, their tunnels a testament to human endeavor. Over time, they evolved into multifaceted spaces, serving as shelters during conflicts, defensive systems, and even hiding places for precious artworks. During World War II, the caves played a crucial role in safeguarding Dutch national treasures, including Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch'. A specially constructed vault, known as 'De Kluis,' housed approximately 780 art pieces, protecting them from the ravages of war. A guided tour unveils the caves' intriguing history, highlighting their use during the French Revolution when peasant families sought refuge within their depths. Visitors can still observe remnants from this era, including the area known as 'the French corner'. The tour also showcases the work of D.C. van Schaïk, an electrical engineer who designed a tunnel for marl transport and created an underground map of the cave system. The North Caves differ from the Zonneberg Caves with their varying corridor heights, creating a more diverse and somewhat challenging underground landscape. The walls bear witness to the passage of time, adorned with charcoal drawings, inscriptions, and the fossilized remains of ancient marine life embedded within the marlstone.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the cave floors can be uneven and slippery.
- Book your guided tour in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the temperature inside the caves is significantly cooler than above ground.
- Check the Maastricht Underground website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and availability.
- Consider combining your visit with a tour of Fort St. Pieter for a comprehensive historical experience.
A brief summary to North Caves Maastricht Underground
- Luikerweg 80a, Maastricht, 6212 NH, NL
- Visit website
- Monday 11:30 am-2:15 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-2:15 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-2:15 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-2:15 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-2:15 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-4:15 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-4:15 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From Maastricht's Markt (city center), walk south towards Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. Turn right onto Maastrichter Brugstraat and continue to the intersection with Luikerweg. Turn left onto Luikerweg; North Caves Maastricht Underground will be on your left at Luikerweg 80a after approximately 1.5km. This walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes. No costs are involved.
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Public Transport
From Maastricht Central Station, take minibus 12 towards St. Pieter. The bus runs until 7:00 PM daily. Get off at 'het Oog van Sint Pieter'. From there, it is a short walk to the entrance of the North Caves at Luikerweg 80a. A single Arriva City Bus Ticket costs €3.75.
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Driving
From the A2/E25 highway, follow signs towards Maastricht and then towards Sint Pieter. Once on Luikerweg, continue until you reach Luikerweg 80a. There is a large, paid municipal parking lot directly at Fort St. Pieter (Luikerweg 80), next to the North Caves. Parking rates vary, with street parking costing €1.90-€3.60 per hour depending on the zone. A day ticket costs €8.10. Consider Q-Park Frontenpark or Q-Park de Griend for cheaper options, from €9 per day, though they are further away.
