The caves were carved by hand by block cutters, or 'blokbrekers', starting in the Middle Ages.
During the Second World War, the caves served as an official shelter for residents and even housed a temporary chapel.
The walls feature large-scale charcoal drawings and reliefs created by local artists.
The tunnels are home to protected species of bats that hibernate in the stable microclimate.
Marlstone was a primary material used in the construction of nearby castles and the medieval walls of Valkenburg.
The cave temperature consistently hovers around 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
The Gemeentegrot is an extensive underground network of marlstone tunnels located in the Cauberg hill of Valkenburg aan de Geul. These tunnels were created by centuries of marl extraction, a soft limestone used as a building material in regional historical architecture. The cave system is historically significant as a subterranean shelter for the local population during various sieges and occupations. Visitors explore the site via guided tours, often involving narrow-gauge trains, through passages decorated with charcoal drawings and sculptures. The temperature inside remains constant year-round regardless of surface weather conditions. The labyrinthine passages extend for several kilometers beneath the town. The site features various chambers that have been used as chapels, mushroom farms, and emergency hospitals throughout history. It is one of the oldest and largest underground systems in the Limburg region.
The central cavern wall featuring the elaborate large-scale charcoal sketches.
Wear a warm sweater or light jacket, as the cave temperature is significantly cooler than the surface.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the uneven, occasionally damp limestone floors.
Book guided tour tickets in advance online to avoid waiting during peak holiday seasons.
Attempting to explore off-path areas or wandering away from the guided tour group, as the tunnel network is complex and dark.
Operating schedule varies by season; the cave often closes briefly in early January for annual maintenance.
