Prehistorische Vuursteenmijn Rijckholt

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

During the excursion, the landscape, history, geology and archeology of the Maas valley, the South Limburg hills and the fascinating story of the excavation will be told. In the visitors' corridor you can take a look at the mine and the guide will tell you about this witness of times long gone. You walk through the beautiful Savelsbos on passable hiking trails to the flint mine.

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

Gathering: preferably 15 minutes before the start, meet in the parking lot opposite Eetcafé Riekelt (Rijksweg 186, Rijckholt). You can print the ticket from the VVV 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 by telephone. Particulars: as a participant you must be good on your feet. Unfortunately, the flint mine cannot be visited by wheelchair users due to unpaved roads.
You should also take care of proper footwear and warm clothing, even in the summer, as 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 lead and under control.
• A flashlight is useful in the months of April and September, which you can take with you during the evening excursions.

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

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