What are the caves of Sint Pietersberg hill in Maastricht?
The Sint Pietersberg Caves are a vast underground labyrinth of passages, tunnels and caves located deep under the hill of Sint Pietersberg Maastricht. These marl caves were created by the extraction of marl, a soft limestone, which has been used for centuries for building materials. They cover an amazingly large area of some 60 kilometres in length of subterranean corridors.
Good to know: the Sint Pietersberg Caves is the collective name for the North Caves (Grotten Noord) and the Zonneberg Caves (Grotten Zonneberg). These systems can be booked and visited as separate locations.
"We take guests to another world. Underground and back in time. The origins of the caves, the hard work of the block breakers, the ancient history. Everything that took place here. It is like an exciting children's book. You see young and old enjoying it."
Official Maastricht Guide
History of the Sint Pietersberg caves
The history of the Sint Pietersberg Caves is rich and varied. Marl mining began here as early as the time of the Romans, more than two thousand years ago. Over the centuries, the marl caves have been used for various purposes, from creating works of art to sheltering during wars. During World War II, parts of the caves were even used as shelters for locals.
One of the most remarkable features of these caves is the presence of beautiful murals and sculptures created over the centuries. These artworks are now historical treasures that testify to craftsmanship and creativity.
Why are the Sint Pietersberg caves so special?
The Sint Pietersberg Caves are special because they offer a rare opportunity to explore a hidden world underground that is rich in history and mystery. The sense of wonder you will experience while walking through the corridors with an expert guide is unparalleled.
In addition, the Sint Pietersberg caves are of great cultural and historical importance. They are a tangible reminder of the centuries of human activity that took place here. The murals and sculptures are testimonies of a distant past.
What is there to do in the Sint Pietersberg caves?
A visit to the Sint Pietersberg caves offers a range of exciting activities and experiences. As a visitor, you can take part in guided tours led by expert guides, who will inform you about the origins, history and legends of this underground world. You will be amazed by the stories and facts revealed with every step deeper into the caves.
Grotten Sint Pietersberg is the collective name for the North Caves (Grotten Noord) and the Zonneberg Caves ( Grotten Zonneberg). Below you can read more about our offer in both cave systems.
Visit the North Caves
North Caves is a magical underground world full of unique charcoal drawings, inscriptions and paintings. Unlike the Zonneberg Caves, in the North Caves you will experience more differences in corridor heights (low and high). During World War II, the caves were also used differently. The North Caves were used as hiding places for Holland's most famous works of art.
Visit the Vault Maastricht
The Caves North were used as a hiding place for Holland's most famous works of art. At the time, these were stored in a special vault (Rijksbewaarplaats). The Vault (Kluis) is located in Grotten Noord and can be visited on a special tour.
Tours Vault Maastricht
Visit the Zonneberg Caves
The Zonneberg caves consist out of a spacious and structured system of corridors. On a tour with our guide, you will walk past the many names and drawings in the walls, which come to life and take on a special charge thanks to the guide's stories. Especially when you consider that the vast corridors of this system were used as air-raid shelters for the civilian population during World War II.
Guided tours Zonneberg caves
Certificate of excellence
North Caves, Fort Sint Pieter & Ticketshop
Address: Luikerweg 80, Maastricht
Google Maps
Accessibility
On foot: about 20-25 minutes' walk from the Maastricht Visitor Centre (Kleine Staat 1, Maastricht). It is recommended to use a map or navigation. On the Sint Pietersberg in the Fort Sint Pieter is the ticket office and also the start and information point of Grotten Noord and Fort Sint Pieter.The ticket office is located in the Fort Sint Pieter.
Car:
Directly at Fort Sint Pieter (Luikerweg 80) is a spacious municipal car park. Although this car park is very spacious, we recommend arriving well in advance, especially on weekends and holiday periods. This is because it can be crowded at these times. From the car park, you can see the Fort Sint Pieter. In the Fort is the ticket office and also the start and information point of the North Caves and Fort Sint Pieter.
Public transport
Take the bus towards Sint Pieter and get off at the Sint Pietersberg bus stop. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to Fort Sint Pieter. Walk along in the direction of the bus and turn right up the mountain after 50 metres. On Sint Pietersberg in the Fort Sint Pieter you will find the ticket office and also the start and information point of the North Caves and Fort Sint Pieter.
Zonneberg Caves
Address: Slavante 1, Maastricht
Google Maps
Accessibility
On foot:
About 20-25 minutes' walk from the Maastricht Underground Ticketshop. And about 40-50 minutes from the Maastricht Visitor Centre (Kleine Staat 1, Maastricht). It is recommended to use a map or navigation. Next to Buitengoed Slavante is the starting point of the Zonneberg Caves tour.
Car:
From the Hoge Kanaaldijk, follow the signs 'Slavante/Grotten Zonneberg', these will lead you up the Sint Pietersberg, towards Buitengoed Slavante. A limited number of parking spaces are available here. If these are full, you can park on the Lage Kanaaldijk and walk up the last bit. Next to Buitengoed Slavante is the starting point of the Zonneberg Caves tour.
Coach:
There is a pick-up and drop-off location at Lage Kanaaldijk (114). Short-term parking is allowed here. You walk uphill in about 15 minutes to the starting point of the tour of the Zonneberg Caves
For parking for touring cars and other embarkation and disembarkation locations click here
Public transport:
Unfortunately, the Zonneberg Caves are poorly accessible by public transport.
Tip! It is also possible to travel to the Zonneberg Caves by boat; a combined visit of a canal cruise and cave visit. Check out www.stiphout.nl for more info.