© Das Bergische / Anja Kortmann

The fascinating world of the new Windloch cave system

2019 witnessed the discovery of a century for more than just the Bergisches Land: in Mühlenberg near Ründeroth, over the last 20 years researchers had searched high and low for an entrance to what they suspected was a cave, but once they found a way in to the Windloch they discovered an incredible underground realm of extraordinary crystals, limestone features and impressive caves of unimagined dimensions in which no humans had ever set foot before. Measurements taken in the first few months indicated that, at more than 8,000 metres long, the Windloch is the largest cave in North Rhine-Westphalia and one of the 10 largest anywhere in Germany. 

Ten information boards spread out along this roughly 8.4 kilometre route offer lots of detail about the work of the speleologists. You can also see sinkholes and karst springs, and can finally visit the Aggertal Caves as part of a guided tour. 

You can listen to the scientists report enthusiastically about their discoveries at two audio stations. 

 

Description

  • Theme: Caves 
  • Length: 8.4km 
  • Duration: approx. 2,5-3 hours 
  • Stations: 10 
  • Loop trail 
  • Start/End point: train station Ründeroth, 51766 Engelskirchen 
  • Trail for families / children: On this trail, the famous mouse from the German TV series “Sendung mit der Maus” explains the “cave” theme via information boards targeted at children of primary school age. 

 

 

 

© Das Bergische / Maren Pussak

voluntary trail steward

© Naturpark Bergisches Land

Dietmar Birkhahn

 

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