Best caves around Lienen are primarily found within the TERRA.vita UNESCO Geopark, an area known for its geological significance and industrial history. The region, including the Hüggel area, features historical mining tunnels and unique natural landscapes. Lienen's proximity to these sites offers opportunities to explore the geological diversity and mining heritage of the Osnabrücker Land.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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The Karlsstollen is not at this location. A signpost on the hiking trail says it is about 400 m away, but I haven't been there, otherwise I would have reported it to the "editors".
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You can also visit the tunnel: https://www.geopark-terravita.de/de/silbersee-und-stollen-im-hueggel
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How to get there: If you take Malberger Straße in the direction of Holzhausen, the Malberger tunnel is on the left-hand side directly behind the Georgsmarienhütte municipal works building (Malberger Straße 13). The tunnel is difficult to see from the street. The tunnel can only be reached on foot. Along the wooden railing, a small path leads down to the tunnel entrance.
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It was intended to open up the still existing and, as was initially assumed, very productive coal deposits from below Oesede to Borgloh and at the same time drain off the mine water. Of the estimated total length of 6740 m, however, only just under 3000 m were completed. The tunnel initially runs straight from the Malberger Mühle in an easterly direction along the southern slope of the Osterberg, then bends several times, drives under Osnabrücker Straße in Oesede am Knapp and ends 150 m north of the local train station in the valley of the Gartmannsbach. The high expectations that had been attached to the expansion of the tunnel were not fulfilled. The low thickness of the seams and their poor storage meant that profitable mining of the coal did not appear worthwhile. The ambitious tunnel project ended in 1853 after six years of construction.
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It's really fun here
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The caves around Lienen are primarily historical mining tunnels and geological points of interest within the TERRA.vita UNESCO Geopark. These sites offer a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage and geological past, rather than typical show caves with extensive stalactite formations.
Yes, for sites like the Silver Lake Tunnel at Hüggel, guided geological tours are often available, especially when the Silver Lake is not filled with water. Access to some areas, like the Silver Lake Quarry, is restricted for independent visitors due to sensitive flora and fauna, making guided tours the primary way to explore.
Many caves around Lienen are old mining tunnels, such as the Karlstollen and Malberger Stollen. These tunnels were part of collieries where coal was mined, providing insight into the region's industrial past and the efforts made to extract natural resources.
While the caves themselves are historical mining tunnels, the surrounding TERRA.vita Geopark offers numerous hiking trails and opportunities to explore the geological diversity of the area, which can be suitable for families. Specific access to the tunnels may vary, with some requiring guided tours.
The region around Lienen offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and general cycling paths. For example, explore routes like 'Brüggelieth Spring loop' for running or 'Borgloh Race Track' for road cycling. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Lienen, Road Cycling Routes around Lienen, and Cycling around Lienen guides.
The best time to visit depends on the specific site. For the Silver Lake Tunnel at Hüggel, guided tours are typically offered when the Silver Lake is not filled with water, which often occurs during drier periods. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the hiking trails and outdoor landscapes of the TERRA.vita Geopark.
Yes, beyond the mining tunnels, the region has other historical points of interest. For instance, the Old mine entrance in the Hüggel is another site that hints at the area's industrial past and geological significance.
The Lienen area, part of the TERRA.vita UNESCO Geopark, is known for its geological diversity. You can observe features related to its mining history, such as old quarries and tunnels, as well as natural landscapes shaped by geological processes over time. The Hüggel area, in particular, is geologically significant.
While the mining tunnels themselves are not typically for independent caving, some hiking trails in the surrounding TERRA.vita Geopark can be challenging. For example, the Karlstollen is listed as a challenging historical site to find due to overgrown paths, suggesting a more adventurous approach to exploration.
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of industrial history and natural landscapes. The opportunity to explore old mining tunnels and learn about the region's past, combined with the extensive hiking and cycling opportunities in the TERRA.vita Geopark, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in history and outdoor activities.
The Rolandsgrab Cave is noted as a mystical rock formation within the Teutoburg Forest, near Tecklenburg and Brochterbeck. It is often mentioned as a section of MTB trails, indicating it's more of a natural rock feature along a route rather than a deep, explorable cave.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Lienen: