A special feature of the approximately 400-metre-long Bilstein Cave visitor trail is the alternation between narrow crevices and spacious underground halls. In addition, the stream that carved the Bilstein Cave out of the rock a long time ago is still active today: depending on the water level, the Bilstein Stream disappears completely or partially into crevices at the foot of the Bilstein Rock and emerges as a spring a few hundred meters below, directly at the visitor parking lot. This underground stream forms a new cave around 20 m below the feet of today's cave visitors. Themed tours and arrangements are offered in the Bilstein Cave and the Bilsteintal, and the feeding of the lynx is spectacular. Our tip: In September, the Bilsteintal and the cave are bathed in candlelight and firelight on one evening: The "Glowing Bilsteintal" is a highlight of the year in the Bilsteintal.
By bus: Bus route R76 Meschede-Warstein to the bus stop "Bilsteinhöhle".
By car: A46 to Meschede, then take the B55 towards Eversberg/Warstein. After approx. 11 km in Warstein, turn left onto Domring and follow the signs. A44 to Erwitte/Anröchte, then take the B55 towards Anröchte/Meschede. After approx. 18 km in Warstein, turn right onto Domring and follow the signs.
Opening hours: The wildlife park is freely accessible at all times. The Bilstein Cave is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with a guided tour.
Admission prices incl. guided tour (approx. 30 minutes): Adults €7.50, children (3 to 16 years) €5, dogs €2.50; reduced group prices by €1 per person from 15 people; registration only required for larger groups.
Discovered in 1887 by the lumberjack Franz Kersting
Total length: 1,840 m; guided tour: 400 m
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The immediate vicinity of the Bilstein Cave offers everything you need for a successful day's vacation: the wildlife park, where lynx, wild boar, red and sika deer, raccoons and foxes can be observed free of charge, the forest playground by the Bilsteinbach stream, where you can romp and splash around to your heart's content, and the fascinating nature of the Bilsteintal: rocks, caves, ancient trees, walking trails. In the historic building of the old youth hostel you will find the Bilstein store with books, postcards, equipment for little nature explorers and many other offers. The Warstein Waldwirtschaft, the Bilsteintal's restaurant, is right next to the parking lot.