It's not just nature that is interesting in the Bilsteintal: for many centuries, the "original Sauerland people" mined and smelted iron ore here. If you look closely, you can see colorful slag in the Bilsteinbach stream and deep caves in the wooded slopes of the Bilsteintal valley - evidence of old mining sites. The caves on the Bilstein rock were already inhabited in the Mesolithic period, and the oldest metal object in the eastern Sauerland was excavated in the Bilstein cave.
The Bilstein Cave extends deep into the mountain and takes visitors into another world with its fabulous stalactite formations and the constant alternation of narrow crevices and wide spaces. 400 meters of the cave can be comfortably explored during tours, while the other 1,450 meters of the cave system are reserved for well-equipped speleologists - the deeper cave areas are under water for months at a time.
The Bilstein Cave is open daily (only exception: December 25).
In summer (April to October): from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (last tour at 4.30 pm)
In winter (November to March): from 10.00 to 16.00 (last tour at 15.30)
The wildlife park in Bilsteintal is home to typical forest animals: red and sika deer, raccoons, foxes, wild boar and lynx. The enclosures are large so that the animals have space to retreat, but visitors are happy to lure them to the fence with food. The raccoons, which originally come from North America and have been living in our forests and cities for almost 100 years, are very popular. A special viewing point of the red deer enclosure is the covered "deer bridge", which was completed in 2015. From there, you have a view of the entire enclosure as well as the forest landscape of the Bilsteintal valley. The undisputed stars of the wildlife park are the lynxes: a path leads around the entire enclosure so that the animals can be observed in peace. The wild cats are encouraged to jump high during the spectacular lynx feeding. And there's always something going on in the wild boar enclosure - the old ones wallow in the mud, the youngsters squeal and have fun with tussles.
The wildlife park in Bilsteintal is open around the clock every day with free admission! Dogs are allowed on a lead.
The viewpoint on the Bilstein rock, which can be "climbed" in just a few steps, is not only exciting for children.
A visit to the Warstein Waldwirtschaft is also a must: coffee and cake, hearty meals and cold drinks are available at fair prices.
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 12.00 noon, Sunday from 11.00 am.
Monday and Tuesday closed.
Opening hours may vary depending on weather conditions or events/parties!
Forest playground - At the forest playground there is plenty of play equipment to let off steam or a stream to splash around in. Benches and tables are available for a picnic.
Events - Please also note the numerous events in the Bilsteintal: the Adventure Day on the last Sunday of the summer vacations, the Illuminated Bilsteintal usually in October and the Winter Magic with mulled wine and lantern hike (November to February), the barbecue on May 1st. Please find out about current events on the Bilsteintal website.
Arrival - The Bilsteintal can be reached by public transport, bus line R76. Parking spaces for cars and coaches are available.
