visitor information
Current
Welcome!
The Dechenhöhle cave is among the most beautiful caves in Germany. We invite you to join us on a journey through the fascinating, subterranean world of the Dechenhöhle where we provide a well developed path within our magical world.
Please observe the following rules:
- You get tickets for the cave tour at our ticket office in the museum. No advance reservation possible!
Don´t leave the official ways in the cave.
Don´t touch the stalactite formations, walls and switches!
Please follow the instructions oft he cave guide!
Link to the english text of the cave guide explanation.
Further Information
The Dechenhöhle a one-of-a-kind natural monument and therefore is only accessible with a tour. Animals are not allowed in the cave.The temperature in the cave is a constant 10 degrees celsius regardless of the time of year.
A visit to the Dechenhöhle and the German Cave Museum can easily be accompanied with a short hike through the “Sonderhorst-Burgberg” nature reserve which contains rare limestone flora and early middle-age castle walls.
If you have questions please contact Dr. Stefan Niggemann, Rasmus Dreyer, or Dr. Jörg Nolte:
Betriebsführung Dechenhöhle
Dechenhöhle 5
58644 Iserlohn
Tel.: 02374/71421
e-mail: dechenhoehle@t-online.de
Please be aware: The Dechenhöhle is only accessible with a guided tour. Guided tours last approx. 40 minutes.
Guided Tours
January and February: Only weekend, holiday and in the NRW-school-vacation,every 40-50 minutes between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m (last tour). Closed January 1st.
March: Mo.-Fr.: 10.30 a.m., 12.00 noon, 14.00 p.m., 15.30 p.m.- Weekend, NRW-school-vacation and holiday: every 40-50 minutes between 10.30 a.m.und 15.30 p.m. (last tour)
April to October: Mo.-Fr.:10.30 a.m., 12.00 noon, 13.30 p.m., 15.00 p.m. und 16.30 p.m. – Weekend, NRW-school-vacation and holiday: every 40-50 minutes between 10.30 a.m. und 16.30 p.m. (last tour)
November: Mo.-Fr.: 10.30 a.m., 12.00 noon, 14.00 p.m., 15.30p.m. – Weekend, NRW-school-vacation and holiday: every 40-50 minutes between10.30 a.m. and 15.30 p.m. (last tour).
December: Only weekend, holiday and in the NRW-school-vacation, every 40-50 minutes between10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m (last tour). Closed on 25th december.
Single guests for the normal tours are not required to make an appointment. Further tours are possible as needed. Exclusive tours outside of opening hours are possible with an appointment.
Prices
Regular guided tour, museum entrance included:
- adult: 10,00€
- children ages 3 - 15: 6,50€
Group prices:
- children (up to 10 persons ages 15 and under): 6,00€
- adults (up to 20 persons): 9,00€
Payment by cash or EC-card. Group ticket transactions must be handled through a single representative. Please arrive on time. Further discounts are not available. Alternative entrance prices apply for special events.
Opening Hours
Approach to the Dechenhöhle
The Dechenhöhle can be reached by car or bus on the BAB 46 Hagen-Iserlohn (Junction at Is.-Oestrich, from there follow signage). There are 3 large free parking lots available on site. Using public transportation the bus will take you directly to the cave using Line 1 until the stop Dechenhöhle. The easiest way to get here is taking the train to the station “Letmathe-Dechenhöhle” on the stretch between
Letmathe-Iserlohn
For precise connections and information please refer to theGerman Railway (der Deutschen Bahn AG). The most affordable rates can be foundrespective transport association (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr, VRR: www.vrr.de;Verkehrgemeinschaft Ruhr-Lippe, VRL: www.ruhr-lippe-tarif.de)
FAQs
Can I go through the cave alone?
To provide safety to our guests and protection to the Dechenhöhle cave entrance os only allowed with a guided tour.
Do I have to make a reservation?
For the regular tours you do not need to make a reservation. However, a reservation is required for special events such as concerts, christmas tour, and group tours. Exclusive tours require a reservation.
Are there discounted entrance tickets?
Discounts are available for children (ages 3 - 17) and groups (children up to 10 persons, adults up to 20 persons). Students, disabled, seniors, etc. do not have discount.
Can I pay with EC or creditcard?
Cash only. Payment by card is unfortunately not supported.
Which tours are available with the RUHR.TOPCARD?
The RUHR.TOPCARD can only be used for the regular, daily cave tours. Special events such as concerts, Cave lights (Höhlenlichter), Christmas tour etc. are not included.
Is photography or filming allowed in the cave?
For logistical purposes photography and filming are not allowed during regular cave tours. During exclusive tours such as children´s birthday parties photography and filming is allowed. An exclusive photo-tour can also be booked.
Are animals allowed in the cave?
Animals are not allowed in the cave or museum.
How wet is it in the cave?
The cave is relatively dry year round. There is absolutely no danger of flooding in the cave. In general it drops less in summer and fall than winter and spring.
How difficult is the path through the cave?
The tour path is approx. 550m long (400 of those in the cave) and mostly horizontal excepting two large staircases (37 steps up and 27 steps downwards) with handrails. The tour is approx. 40 min long.
Can wheelchairs users also visit the Dechenhöhlecave?
Wheelchair users can unfortunately not take part in the regular tours. However, we do offer a special hour-long tour for groups with wheelchair users where the cave is split into two parts.
Can someone leave the Dechenhöhle cave during the tour?
In an emergency (claustrophobia for example) can someone leave the cave with a guide. The entrance payment in this case will not be refunded and renewed entrance is not feasibe.
Can stroller and babies go in the cave?
Strollers are not allowed in the cave although babies and children can be carried. There is no minimum age. Please be aware that the cave is 10*C year round and children should be dressed warmly.
Can i bring my own flashlight?
Flashlights can be used but please be cautions not so shine the guide or other guests in the face.
Is there parking in front of the museum?
There is a large, free parking lot along the access road.
Is there free wifi?
There is no WiFi available in the museum or cave.
Is there a handicapped toilet available?
Unfortunately, there is no handicapped toilet available.
Adresse
Dechenhöhle 5
58644 Iserlohn
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