But it’s not just the natural landscape that makes the Bilstein Valley interesting: for many centuries, the “original Sauerlanders” mined and smelted iron ore here. If you look closely, you’ll see colorful slag in the Bilsteinbach stream and deep sinkholes in the forested slopes of the Bilstein Valley—remnants of old mining sites. The caves at Bilsteinfelsen were inhabited as early as the Mesolithic period, and the oldest metal object from the eastern Sauerland was excavated in the Bilstein Cave.
The Bilstein Cave extends deep into the mountain and, with its fairy-tale-like stalactite formations and the constant alternation of narrow crevices and wide chambers, transports visitors to another world. Visitors can comfortably explore 400 meters of the cave on guided tours; the remaining 1,450 meters of the cave system are reserved for well-equipped cavers—the lower sections of the cave remain submerged for months at a time.
The Bilstein Cave is open daily (with the sole exception of December 25).
In summer (April through October): from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last guided tour at 4:30 p.m.)
In winter (November through March): 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last guided tour at 3:30 p.m.)
The Bilsteintal Wildlife Park is home to typical forest animals: red deer, sika deer, raccoons, foxes, wild boars, and lynx. The enclosures are large, giving the animals plenty of space to retreat, yet they are happy to be lured to the fence by visitors offering food. The raccoons, which are native to North America and have been found in our forests and cities for nearly 100 years, are particularly popular. A special vantage point overlooking the red deer enclosure is the covered “Hirschbrücke” (Deer Bridge), completed in 2015. From there, you can see the entire enclosure, as well as the forested landscape of the Bilstein Valley. The undisputed stars of the wildlife park are the lynx: a trail winds around the entire enclosure, allowing visitors to observe the animals undisturbed. During the spectacular lynx feeding, the wild cats are encouraged to make high leaps. And there’s always something going on in the wild boar enclosure—the adults wallow in the mud, while the piglets squeal with delight as they roughhouse.
The Bilsteintal Wildlife Park is open 24 hours a day, every day, with free admission! Dogs are allowed on a leash.
The lookout point on the Bilstein Rock, which can be “climbed” in just a few steps, is a thrill not just for kids.
A visit to the Warsteiner Waldwirtschaft is also a must: coffee and cake, hearty meals, and cold drinks are available at reasonable prices.
Open Wednesday–Saturday from 12:00 p.m., Sunday from 11:00 a.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Opening hours may vary depending on weather conditions or special events/private functions!
Forest Playground – The forest playground offers plenty of play equipment for kids to run around on, as well as a stream for splashing around. Benches and tables are available for picnics.
Events – Please also note the numerous events in the Bilsteintal: Adventure Day on the last Sunday of summer vacation, the “Glowing Bilsteintal” (usually in October), and Winter Magic with mulled wine and a lantern walk (November through February), as well as the barbecue on May 1. Please check the Bilsteintal website for current events.
Getting There – The Bilsteintal is accessible by public transportation via bus line R76. Parking spaces for cars and tour buses are available.