Fluweelengrot (Velvet cave) — Attraction in Valkenburg aan de Geul

We went to the velvet cave after touring the castle ruins (tip: go to the velvet cave tour first as you will be led to entrance of the castle ruins where you can continue to tour the castle ruins).

The velvet cave tour was very pleasant and worth a visit (it is 12 degrees inside). We went with a museumkaart so we did not book a ticket on their website which meant that we had to wait for around 20 minutes before the next tour started (tour timings not stated on website and the receptionist was not helpful in answering our question of what timings are available for the tour).

Sadly, the tour is conducted in Dutch only but English speaking individuals are given a handout which contains the details of what will be mentioned in the cave (tip: read before going in as you will not be able to read due to the lack of light).

The tour guide was very nice as he told us that we could ask him any questions and even spoke in English a little here and there to include us in. While we could not understand Dutch, he is able to get the attention of the crowd and humour them (when he spoke once in English, it was entertaining too, so I'm sure his entire tour is very enjoyable especially if you...

As a person who does not speak Dutch I came across minor issues. It's ignorant to state such a thesis but it might be helpful for other tourists. The tour itself is not offered in English, however the stuff speaks perfectly in English and what is more, visitors receive a flyer with brief description of all places and art pieces that are being described during the walk. On top of that, anyone can ask questions in English / Dutch (possibly more) what is extremely nice. Moreover, some interesting sculptures and paintings are not being spoken about but I believe it is due to the fact that tour takes 1 hour, there is countless tunels and the temperature is not enjoyable. The last thing I have noticed is the lighting. The only one source of light provided is not so bright flashlight that is being held by the member of the stuff. For some it may be a problem because of poor visibility but for others it can be positive thing due to the fact of keeping the original vibe alive. Of course you are allowed to use your own phone to light your point of interest. To sum up, wonderful and unique place that is worth visiting. The only one downside is lack of...

The picturesque town of Valkenburg goes also under the name of Kerststadt, that means christmas town. Fluweelengrot is one of two cavernous structures that host christmas market-like stalls, the other being Gemeendegrot, just a 5 minutes stroll away. Fluweelengrot itself is nicely decorated and fields enough speakers to deliver ambient christmas tunes. Decarations are scattered throughout the stonewalls, and the booths are selling the average mix of gifts, handcraft, clothes, toys and memorabilia. Yet, nothing too special. The murals are worth a smile. Instagram photo opportunities are available. Even on a Saturday evening, the caverns were scarcely populated (yet, it was opening weekend and christmas is still far away). Santa's Village in the city centre might attract people, as a nightly stroll through town and its many restaurants is worth the while. Thus, Fluweelengrot is an option when...