MuseumVelvet Cave Valkenburg

The Velvet Cave has many secrets. Discover a treasure trove of impressive wall murals, inscriptions, strange sculptures in the soft marlstone walls and a romantic chapel dating from the French period (18th century).

Underground corridors

Closely connected with the rich history of the Castle Ruin is the Velvet Cave, the network of passageways beneath the Castle Ruins. The Velvet Cave probably dates from the 11th or 12th century.

Labyrint by mining

Marl was mined from the cave by block breakers for use as a building stone in the construction of edifices like Valkenburg Castle. The result of this marlstone mining is an extensive labyrinth of old and rugged passageways.

Secret passageways

In times of siege, the secret passageways, which were only discovered in 1937, allowed the knights and their footmen to escape the castle and attack the enemy from behind or secretly bring supplies in. One legend tells of the Brabanders (natives of Brabant) who, laying siege to Valkenburg, could not understand why celebrations were still being held inside the castle walls even after a long period of siege. Little did they know that the troops inside were being supplied via the secret passageways… from Brabant, where the siege armies would soon discover that their lands had been plundered in their absence!

Secrets

The Velvet Cave has many secrets. Discover a treasure trove of impressive wall murals, inscriptions, strange sculptures in the soft marlstone walls and a romantic chapel dating from the French period (18th century). In the Second World War, during the German occupation, the cave served as a hideout for the people of Valkenburg and for the American troops.

Cool and warm

Nice and cool in the summer and wonderfully warm in the winter, the Velvet Cave is permanent 12 degrees Celsius a year-round. Please dress accordingly.

Visit

Visit www.kasteelvalkenburg.nl/en for the current entrance fees and opening hours of the Velvet Cave.

Route to the Velvet Cave cash desk (appr. 10 min)

• Take the stairs or elevator down.
• Walk through the glass building.
• Turn left and stay on the pavement.
• After 200 meters, past the stairs, the cash desk is on your left.
• Register at the cash desk for a place at one of the tours*.

* A tour through the Velvet Cave takes appr. 50 minutes and ends on the Castle Ruins.
* Starting times of the tours: see opening times.

Earbuds available

There are earbuds available for €1.50 at the paydesk of the Velvet Cave. CAUTION! The earbuds are not suitable for the iPhone 10 or later.