Top 11 Caves around Kreis Soest
Best caves around Kreis Soest offer insights into the region's geological formations and historical significance. Located in the Sauerland region of Germany, Kreis Soest features a landscape shaped by ancient geological processes, leading to the formation of various subterranean structures. These natural features provide opportunities for exploration and understanding of the area's natural heritage. The region combines natural beauty with archaeological interest, making its caves notable destinations.
Best caves around Kreis Soest
- The most popular caves is Hollow Stone, a cave that has yielded archaeological finds from the late Paleolithic to the pre-Roman Iron Age. This large, open cave was used as a shelter by Stone Age hunters approximately 10,000 years ago.
- Another must-see spot is Bilstein Cave, a stalactite cave. Visitors can explore impressive stalactite formations during guided tours, with options for longer tours delving deeper into the cave's intricate beauty.
- Visitors also love Bilsteintal Wildlife Park, which features a stalactite cave that can be visited during a guided tour. The park also offers free admission to observe wildlife like red deer and lynx, alongside a forest playground and an attached inn.
- Kreis Soest is known for stalactite caves and archaeological cave sites. The region offers a variety of caves to see and explore, from those with significant historical findings to those showcasing impressive natural rock formations.
- The caves around Kreis Soest are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1400 upvotes and over 1300 photos shared across 11 highlights.
Last updated: August 16, 2026
Hollow Stone
Highlight • Cave
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Bilsteintal Wildlife Park
Highlight • Natural
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Bilstein Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Hohler Stein Cave
Highlight • Cave
On the way to the cave I cross the Lörmecke again. I let the area and the rock face have an effect on me, and take a few pictures. Then I go to the main entrance of the cave. It really isn't very deep, not comparable to the Feldhof cave in MK (see other tour), but despite everything it is present and has an impact. My spirit of adventure was awakened even before the tour, full of anticipation for the tour and the cave.
I enter the cave, walk to the end, always carefully, as the ground is uneven and covered in stones.
About 12,000 years ago in the Iron Age, hunters hunted reindeer here during their spring migration, killed them and, based on the bone finds, used the rear part of the cave as a hunting quarters and processed the reindeer. In the 1920s and 1930s, Eberhard Henneböhle and Julius Andree carried out excavations in the Hohlen Stein. They found numerous finds from the late Paleolithic and pre-Roman Iron Age, during which finds prove that the cave served as a burial site around 750 BC.
During the Thirty Years' War, the cave served as a hiding place for counterfeiters who counterfeited the 6 Pfennig coins of the city of Werl.
I let the historical place have an effect on me, taking lots of pictures and videos.
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Hohler Stein Cave and Lörmecke
Highlight (Segment) • Cave
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Summit Cross above Hohler Stein
Highlight • Summit
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Wildflower meadow at Hohler Stein
Highlight • Natural
Definitely worth a visit.
Also ideal for taking a break (there is seating at the hollow stone).
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View of Hohler Stein
Highlight • Cave
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Hohle Stein Cave (Naturpark Arnsberger Wald)
Highlight • Cave
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High stone near Kallenhardt
Highlight • Cave
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Tips from the Community
Nice round, when the sun disappears on the horizon
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The cave can be entered as already described, but can also be left through a low passage on the side!
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You pass the Hoher Stein if you walk to Hohler Stein. And you can walk around the Hoher Stein if you take the hiking trail.
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partly only recognizable as grass, depending on the season
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A possible resting place, interesting rock formation
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Very interesting rock formations to see
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The Hohle Stein invites you to take a rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical or archaeological significance do the caves in Kreis Soest hold?
The caves in Kreis Soest are rich in history. The Hollow Stone, for instance, is a significant archaeological site where finds from the late Paleolithic period to the pre-Roman Iron Age have been discovered. It served as a shelter for Stone Age hunters approximately 10,000 years ago, offering a glimpse into ancient human activity in the region.
Are there family-friendly caves to visit in Kreis Soest?
Yes, several options cater to families. The Bilsteintal Wildlife Park offers a comprehensive family experience, combining a stalactite cave tour with a wildlife park, forest playground, and an inn. The Hollow Stone also has light climbing passages suitable for families with children aged 5 and older, provided they have appropriate footwear and parental supervision.
What kind of natural formations can I expect to see in the caves?
The region is known for its diverse geological features. At Bilstein Cave, you can explore impressive stalactite formations during guided tours. The Hollow Stone, while not a stalactite cave, is a large, open rock formation that provides unique insights into the area's geological structure and offers great views of the surrounding natural beauty.
What is the best time to visit the caves in Kreis Soest?
Caves generally maintain a consistent cool temperature year-round, making them suitable for visits in any season. However, if you plan to combine your cave visit with outdoor activities like exploring the wildlife park or hiking, spring, summer, and early autumn offer the most pleasant weather conditions for the surrounding areas.
Are there guided tours available for the caves?
Yes, guided tours are available, particularly for stalactite caves. For example, Bilstein Cave offers guided tours to explore its impressive formations, with options for longer tours that delve deeper into the cave's intricate beauty.
What other attractions are near the caves in Kreis Soest?
Near Bilstein Cave, you'll find the Bilsteintal Wildlife Park. This park offers free admission and allows visitors to observe animals like red deer, sika deer, raccoons, lynx, wild boar, and foxes. It also features a forest playground and an attached inn, making it a comprehensive destination for a day out in nature.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves?
The region around Kreis Soest offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes around Möhnesee. There are also many options for cycling and road cycling routes that allow you to explore the scenic landscapes surrounding the caves.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves in Kreis Soest?
Visitors appreciate the unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance. Many enjoy the impressive stalactite formations in caves like Bilstein Cave and the archaeological insights offered by Hollow Stone. The surrounding natural parks and wildlife observation opportunities also add to the overall experience.
Are there any easy-to-access caves for those with limited mobility or young children?
While specific accessibility details vary, the Hollow Stone is described as a large, open cave that visitors can enter, though it is not very deep. This might be a more accessible option compared to deeper stalactite caves that often involve stairs or uneven terrain. For Bilstein Cave, guided tours are designed to be walkable, but it's always best to check with the venue for specific accessibility information.
Can I find food and drink options near the caves?
Yes, for instance, the Bilsteintal Wildlife Park, which houses the Bilstein Cave, has an attached inn where you can find food and drink. For other cave locations, nearby towns and villages in Kreis Soest will offer various dining establishments.
What should I wear when visiting the caves?
Caves maintain a consistently cool temperature, often around 8-10°C (46-50°F), regardless of the outside weather. It's advisable to wear layers, including a light jacket or sweater, even in summer. Comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip are also recommended, as cave paths can sometimes be damp or uneven.
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