"Hohler Stein" Cultural Cave

Cave/Grotto | Historic Site | Archaeological Site

#deinsauerland / Neusta POIs / "Hohler Stein" Cultural Cave

The "Hohler Stein" cultural cave in Rüthen-Kallenhardt was formed by the Lörmecke Creek over millions of years. The creek also gave its name to the nature reserve in which the cave is located.

Address

"Hohler Stein" Cultural Cave

Kallenhardt

59602 Rüthen

Telephone: 02952 / 818 172 / 173

tourismus@ruethen.de

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Properties:

Parking available
Bus stop available
Bad Weather Special
for all kinds of weather
for families
for individual guests
Suitable for seniors
for children (all ages)
Free admission
cool place

The “Hohler Stein” rock massif, eroded over millions of years by tributaries of the Lörmecke River, rises southwest of the village of Kallenhardt in a particularly picturesque setting. During excavations in the 1930s, finds indicating human settlement and activity from various periods of development since the last Ice Age were discovered in the two cave areas.

Numerous traces and artifacts even date back to the periods of migration and settlement around 10,000 B.C. However, some excavated objects—whose nature remains unclear or enigmatic to this day—and their extraordinary context have also shrouded this cave in mysterious legends, myths, and folklore.

For instance, it is said that a counterfeit coin workshop was operated here during the Thirty Years’ War. Popular scientific theories go back even further, suggesting that the cave was the historical setting for events that can be found in the dramatic descriptions of the Middle High German “Nibelungenlied.” In the early 19th century, the large cave chamber was used as a workshop by a saddler and belt maker. Further information: “Arnsberger Wald Nature Park” Association c/o Soest District, Hoher Weg 1–3 / 59494 Soest Tel.: 02921/302252 (Mr. Jens Hoheisel)