Overview

• Cavers linked Kluterthöhle and Bismarckhöhle on July 12, extending the network to 8.7 km and overtaking Engelskirchen’s Windloch as North Rhine-Westphalia’s longest cave.
• The discovery caps a 150-year search that has driven speleologists to map the Klutertberg’s hidden passages since the late 19th century.
• Explorers traversed sections that were partially submerged and clogged with mud, describing the route as physically demanding.
• Protected as a national natural monument since 2019, the Kluterthöhle offers guided tours in its show caves while newly connected areas and the Bismarckhöhle remain off-limits to tourists.
• Arbeitskreis Kluterthöhle and Ennepetal’s mayor will host a public presentation on Monday to share survey findings and outline conservation plans.