Prehistoric Flint Mine Rijckholt

Hidden in the Savelsbos are the unique, prehistoric flint mines. About 6000 years ago, people dug for flint here to make utensils and arrowheads.
Flint was an ideal raw material, it splits easily and has sharp fracture edges. Initially, people dug pits to search for flint, later people also went deep into the ground. This created an extensive complex of underground shafts and mine tunnels.

During the excursion, the landscape, history, geology and archaeology of the Meuse valley, the hills of South Limburg and the fascinating story of the excavation will be told. In the visitor's corridor you can take a look at the mine and the guide will tell you about this witness of times long past. You walk through the beautiful Savelsbos on passable footpaths to the flint mine.

Between 1 April and 1 October, guided tours are available during the holidays (Easter, July-August, etc.) and outside the holidays on certain weekend days and weekday evenings. You can check the booking page for the exact dates and times.

Gathering: preferably fifteen minutes before the start at the parking lot opposite Eetcafé Riekelt (Rijksweg 186, Rijckholt) meet. You can print the ticket from the tourist office and give it to the guide or place it on your smartphone and show it to the guide.
For family, company and other group excursions, you can contact us directly by e-mail or phone. Particularities: as a participant, you must be able to walk. Unfortunately, the flint mine is not accessible for wheelchair users due to unpaved roads.
You should also provide decent footwear and warm clothing, even in summer, it is always cool in the mine. There is sufficient lighting, there is no climbing or crawling.

• Children are very welcome.
• Dogs are only allowed on a leash and under control.
• In the months of April and September, a flashlight is useful, you can take it with you during the evening excursions.

The excursion to the Prehistoric Flint Mine in Rijckholt is organized by the Stichting Ir. D.C. van Schaik and the Study Group Subterranean Limestone Quarries of the Natural History Society Limburg with the support of the municipality of Eijsden-Margraten, Province of Limburg, Geological Society department Limburg, Staatsbosbeheer.

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