Sibbergroeve

There is only one place in the Netherlands where the soft chalk limestone, better (but incorrectly) known as marl, is extracted from the ground. This occurs in the Sibbergroeve in Sibbe.
Most of these limestone blocks are required for renovation. To a lesser extent, limestone from Sibbe is used for new construction, which is an expensive matter. The quarry workers who still extract limestone from the quarry continue a medieval tradition, as old as the tunnel systems are.
It is not the case that all stone in the quarry is usable. The layer of usable limestone is ‘only’ two meters thick. The stone that is present here is known for being easy to process and relatively hard. If you go higher or lower, the quality decreases or you come across flint.
The Sibbergroeve, like many other limestone quarries, has also served as a shelter chapel and as a location for underground cultivation of mushrooms and chicory. Nowadays, it is the only quarry where you can bike through under supervision with a mountain bike.

Office de tourisme du Sud du Limbourg (Visit Zuid-Limburg)