Wiehler Tropfsteinhöhle, Show cave in Wiehl, Germany
Wiehler Tropfsteinhöhle is a limestone cave with stone formations in Wiehl that extends roughly 30 meters underground. The interior displays rock shapes throughout: stalactites hang from the ceiling, while stalagmites rise from the ground in various sections.
The cave was discovered in 1860 when workers blasting a limestone quarry accidentally broke into the hollow space. It later opened to visitors in 1927 after safety improvements made it accessible to the public.
The name translates to "dripping stone cave," describing exactly what unfolds inside: water-sculpted rock formations that have grown over millennia. Visitors walk through narrow passages and find these glistening, wet shapes covering walls and floors throughout.
The path through the cave is challenging to walk because of narrow passages and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is important. The temperature stays cool year-round, so a jacket is recommended no matter what the weather is like outside.
A special section of the cave is sometimes used for weddings, an uncommon experience that takes place underground. This possibility shows how the cave became something special in the region for marking important moments.
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