Description
With its extraordinary stalactite formations, the Dechen cave in Iserlohn is considered one of the most beautiful caves in Germany. It was discovered in 1868 by two railwaymen when a hammer fell into a crevice in the rock. This turned out to be the entrance to the cave.
The dripstone cave is famous for its stalagmites, stalactites and some prehistoric artefacts. On the approximately 400 metre long path, you come across various formations. For example, the "organ". This is a stalactite wall, named because of its shape. Or the "palm column", which is almost 3 metres high. It was formed by thousands of years of sinter deposition. However, there are many other exciting and beautiful natural spectacles, such as the crystal-clear pools of water that accompany the path through the cave. Part of the cave is illuminated with modern laser technology, offering a welcome change.
Guided amazement
The cave can only be visited as a part of a guided tour. These take place at regular intervals and do not require advance booking. However, experience tours can also be booked. These must be booked in advance. The offer ranges from children's birthday parties and educational offers for kindergartens and schools to themed tours, such as the St Martin's Lantern tour or the Christmas tour. Exclusive standard tours can also be booked in advance. Concerts and sound tours are also offered. Geologists who work in the cave regularly offer scientific lectures and excursions.
German Cave Museum
The German Cave Museum is an important part of a visit to the Dechen cave. It is the only cave museum in North Rhine-Westphalia. In the museum you can see dinosaur bones from Sauerland caves, replicas of dinosaurs, the baby cave bear skeleton and much more. A documentation of the largest caves on earth and pictures of Ice Age animals are also on display. Photos of Stone Age cave paintings from Europe and information about a wide variety of cave animals can also be found here.
How to get there
By car
The free "Dechenhöhle" car park in Iserlohn is located just 100 metres from the entrance to the site.
By public transport
The "Letmathe Dechenhöhle" stop is right next to the site in Iserlohn and can be reached by the RB91 and RE 16 trains.