Caves - Maastricht — Discover Limburg

Maastricht has 2 tunnel systems: Caves North and Zonneberg Caves. Both are big tunnel systems in the hill of mount Sint Pieter and are formed by mining (former limestone mine). The stones were used as a building material. In total 20,000 tunnels were made this way of which 8,000 are still intact. Also both caves have many paintings and drawings by artists and visitors from the past.

The entrances are at different locations. The North Caves and the closest to the city center. The entrance of the Zonneberg Caves can be reached by bycicle, car or even by boat (Rederij Stiphout). There are tours in English at both locations. Check the website for dates and time.

Caves North

A big part of both tours is more or less the same. But there are also some differences. Both systems have some unique features. North Caves: The Kluis (Vault), was used to store famous paintings during World War 2. The most famous painting was the Nightwatch by Rembrandt. The big explosion dome where the French tried to blow up Fort Sint Pieter. The remains of the 18th century shelter. The tunnels have different heights. It is easy to combine the North Caves with a visit to the Fort Sint Pieter.

Zonneberg Caves: The remains (e.g. chappels, bakery) of the big evacuation plan from World War 2 are still visible. The plan was that 47,000 inhabitants of Maastricht could find shelter in the caves. The tunnel system is more structured and the tunnels are higher. The tour guide has to make a selection from all of the interesting sight to see in the cave every tour. If you would like to see a specific feature; please ask your tour guide at the start of the tour. The temperature in the caves is 11 degrees Celsius all year; summer, winter, day and night. It is recommended to bring some warm cloths.

Charcoal drawing

Caves North (Grotten Noord) Luikerweg 71 (next to Chalet Bergrust) 6212 NH Maastricht Walking distance from the city centre Free parking Weelchar accessable Prices: Adult: 6,60 euro Child (4-12): 5,20 euro Tickets: via maastrichtunderground.nl or the Maastricht tourist office (VVV) or on the spot. Zonneberg Caves (Grotten Zonneberg) Slavante 1 (next to Grand-Café Buitengoed Slavante) 6212 NB Maastricht Parking is free, but there is limited space Prices: Adult: 6,60 euro Child (4-12): 5,20 euro Tickets: via maastrichtunderground.nl or the Maastricht tourist office (VVV) On the spot, only a very limited amount of tickets are available. www.maastrichtunderground.nl