Take the kids underground

Why

An adventure that really is one.

There are plenty of children’s birthday ideas: trampoline parks, the cinema, the playground. A birthday in the Wiehler Tropfsteinhöhle (Wiehl Dripstone Cave) is something different. The children go underground with torches, see dripstones older than anything they know, and search for a real treasure. They do not have to dress up or pretend – the adventure is real.

The weather does not matter. In the cave it is around 8 °C in sun, rain and snow alike. If an outdoor birthday party threatens to be rained off, the cave is the most reliable plan. “This birthday party definitely won’t be rained off,” as the Waldhotel says, not without reason.

On top of that, as the host you hardly have to prepare anything. The schedule is set, the cave guides know the treasure hunt, and the Waldhotel takes care of food and cake. You accompany your child and enjoy the day instead of organising games and keeping guests entertained. Especially for children between six and ten who love to explore and discover, this is a birthday that is still talked about weeks later.

And after the cave the fun is far from over: right next door begins the Wiehl wildlife park. It is free and open all day; the children can watch fallow deer and run along the forest climate trail. To finish, there is cake and children’s menus in the Waldhotel restaurant.

Payment is made on site at the ticket desk. Please book in advance by phone on +49 2262 7920.

What to bring

What you should bring.

• Clothing: a jacket and warm clothes, even in summer – in the cave it is around 8 °C. Several thin layers work best.
• Shoes: sturdy, non-slip shoes. There are 26 steps and a damp floor; sandals are not a good choice.
• Torches: one torch per child, with fresh batteries.
• Treasure: a small treasure that the cave guides hide beforehand.
• Invitation: state the meeting point, time and pick-up time, plus a note about clothing and shoes.
• Punctuality: tours start punctually on the hour. Latecomers cannot join.
• Pick-up time: allow for the wildlife park and a meal after the tour – in the end it is half an afternoon.

A practical tip from days out like this: pack a small reserve for each child – a second jacket, spare socks and something to drink for after the tour. Then even a wet walk in the wildlife park is no problem, and the party at the Waldhotel is more fun with dry feet.

Explorers

Little explorers, big questions.

On the tour, children learn along the way how a cave works. Your cave guides answer questions and take the children along. With these questions you can make the children curious beforehand – and test afterwards what stuck:

• What is the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite? One hangs from the ceiling, the other grows up from the floor.
• How fast does a dripstone grow? Only about one centimetre in a hundred years.
• How warm is it in the cave? Around 8 °C all year round.
• How many steps lead down? 26 steps to a depth of 7 metres, then on to 30 metres.
• Who discovered the cave? It was found around 1860 during blasting in the quarry.
• Which animal can you spot in a dripstone? The “elephant” is one of the well-known formations on the tour.

Example times for orientation. Which time slots are possible as a private group, you will learn from the venue. (provisional)

Safety

Safe on the move with the whole group.

The tour is accompanied by cave guides who know the way. The group stays together, the path is lit and leads over solid steps. Nevertheless: entering the cave is at your own risk, and the duty of supervision for the children remains with parents or accompanying adults. (wording provisional, to be confirmed by the venue)

Ask the children to walk slowly on the steps and to stay with the group. The torches are for the treasure hunt – please do not shine them into anyone’s eyes. Children who are nervous can hold an adult’s hand; the guides are prepared for this. The narrow spots on the tour are usually an extra adventure for children. (provisional)

Birthday child

The child is at the centre.

Make the birthday child the cave boss for a day: they may carry the map, switch on the torch first or help discover the hidden treasure. Feel free to agree this with the cave guides beforehand; they know the schedule and can involve the child.

Siblings and friends have their place too: the group goes together, nobody has to wait outside. If grandparents come along, they are welcome as well – please keep the stairs in mind and ask the venue if in doubt.

And if there is energy left after the tour, a walk in the wildlife park helps the children burn it off. At the end of the day the birthday is a mixture of discovery, exercise and cake – and that is what children wish for.

Family

A good day even without cake.

You do not have to celebrate a birthday to visit the cave with children. The tour takes about 45 minutes and is compact, so it is easy for families to manage. Children pay €5.50, adults €6.50.

Toddlers: no minimum age has been set. Very small children are best carried, because the way leads down 26 steps. (provisional)

Pushchairs: the way in is via steps, so a pushchair practically cannot come along. Whether there is a place to leave it, the venue will clarify. (provisional)

Rainy weather: a good day for the cave, because the tour is independent of the weather. Afterwards, put on rain jackets and head to the wildlife park.

At the ticket desk there are toilets and a baby-changing room. More about your visit under Plan your visit.

Enquiry

The adventure can begin.

Call and secure a date as a private group: +49 2262 7920. The wildlife park and its deer enclosures are right next door.

Enquire about a kids’ party Wildlife park & day out