The cave was discovered accidentally by two railway workers when one dropped a hammer into a crevice.
It is one of the few caves worldwide with its own dedicated railway stop, 'Iserlohn-Dechenhöhle'.
The site contains a significant collection of Ice Age animal fossils, including remains of cave bears and wolves.
The 'Waterfall Hall' contains an active, ongoing dripstone formation process monitored by geologists.
The cavern's air is considered pollutant-free and is used for specific therapeutic purposes in specialized sessions.
Dechenhöhle is one of Germany's most visited limestone caves, unique for its dedicated onsite railway station located directly at the cave entrance. Discovered in 1868 during railway construction, the cave features extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations throughout a 360-meter guided tour path. The site includes the German Cave Museum, which provides context on the regional karst topography and paleontology. Visitors walk through illuminated subterranean chambers including the 'Waterfall Hall' and the 'Wolf’s Gorge'. The cave maintains a constant internal temperature of approximately 10 degrees Celsius year-round. It is located in the Iserlohn district of Letmathe, separated from the town center of Altena by local topography. The facility hosts regular scientific and cultural events in addition to public tours.
The illuminated rock formations in the 'Waterfall Hall'.
Wear a warm jacket even in summer due to the consistent low temperature inside the cave.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the cave paths can be damp and uneven.
Arrive early in the day to secure a spot on the guided tours, which are mandatory for cave entry.
Do not attempt to explore the cave passages outside of the guided tour path.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season; open daily during the summer months.
No photography with flash inside the cave to protect delicate rock formations; touching the stalactites is strictly prohibited.
