Top 20 Caves around Altena

The Feldhof Cave is freely accessible and large enough for exploration, making it a good option for families who enjoy a bit of adventure. The Dechenhöhle is also very family-friendly, offering special tours for children during holidays and being easily accessible by train. The Heinrichshöhle, located near the Felsenmeer, is another stalactite cave open to visitors that can be enjoyed by families.

While specific dog policies for individual caves like Dechenhöhle or Reckenhöhle should be checked directly with the operators, many of the surrounding natural areas and trails are dog-friendly. For instance, the area around the Felsenmeer (Hemer), which includes the Heinrichshöhle, offers marked trails suitable for walks with dogs. Always keep dogs on a leash and respect local regulations.

The Dechenhöhle is renowned for its exceptional abundance of stalactites and stalagmites, including formations like the 'Tropfsteinkaiser' (Stalactite Emperor) and 'Nixenteich' (Mermaid's Pond). The Reckenhöhle also features impressive dripstone formations, with a notable section called 'Paradiese'. The Felsenmeer (Hemer), while not a cave itself, is a natural monument with impressive rock formations and ravines, with the Heinrichshöhle nearby.

Caves generally maintain a constant temperature year-round, making them a good destination regardless of the season. The Dechenhöhle, for example, is open for tours throughout much of the year, with specific events during holidays. For exploring freely accessible caves like Feldhof Cave or Haake Cave, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for the approach hikes. Always check the specific opening hours for show caves before your visit.

Many caves in the region have significant historical and archaeological importance. The Dechenhöhle is famous for prehistoric animal finds, including a baby cave bear skeleton and a forest rhinoceros skull, with an archaeological excavation site visible during tours. The Reckenhöhle also yielded prehistoric remains like mammoth teeth and a cave bear skeleton. The Feldhof Cave is described as a very interesting historical place, and the Felsenmeer (Hemer) area has historical significance related to centuries of iron ore mining.

The Dechenhöhle is uniquely accessible by train, having its own railway stop, 'Letmathe-Dechenhöhle'. For other caves, public transport options may vary. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to areas near the Reckenhöhle or the Felsenmeer (Hemer). For less developed caves like Feldhof Cave or Haake Cave, public transport might get you to a nearby town, but a walk or further transport might be needed.

Yes, the region offers several hiking opportunities that can be combined with cave exploration. For example, there's a challenging hike from Altena Castle to the Dechenhöhle, covering about 17.2 km. You can find more hiking options in the area by exploring the Hiking around Altena guide on komoot.

For show caves like Dechenhöhle or Reckenhöhle, comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are recommended due to the constant cool temperatures inside (+9°C in Reckenhöhle). For freely accessible caves like Feldhof Cave or Haake Cave, a reliable flashlight is essential, as the caves are unlit. Sturdy footwear is always advisable for uneven terrain.

Beyond the main show caves, the region has several natural caverns. The Feldhof Cave is a large, freely accessible cave that requires a flashlight for exploration. The Haake Cave in the Hönnetal is another small, undeveloped cave that can be explored with a flashlight. These offer a more rugged and adventurous experience compared to the developed show caves.

A typical guided tour through the Dechenhöhle lasts approximately 40 minutes. For the Reckenhöhle, visitors can explore about 300 meters of its passages, and while a specific duration isn't provided, it's generally a similar timeframe for a guided visit to appreciate the formations.

Near the Dechenhöhle, there is the German Cave Museum which often has facilities. The Sülberg Deele is a restaurant located in a very idyllic natural setting, offering a place for refreshments. For other caves, especially the more remote ones, it's best to plan to eat in nearby towns like Altena or Balve.

The region around Altena offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around the Fuelbecke Dam, by checking the Running Trails around Altena guide. There are also many hiking opportunities, from easy strolls to more challenging routes, detailed in the Hiking around Altena guide and Easy hikes around Altena guide.