Nature discovery trail

Steinbruch mit terrassenförmigen Abbauflächen und umgebendem Wald unter einem klaren blauen Himmel. — CC-BY-NC-ND | Bad Wünnenberg Touristik GmbH, Vera Lina Schütz

Steinbruch mit mehreren terrassierten Ebenen und Wald im Hintergrund, unter blauem Himmel gelegen.

Ein hölzernes Tor mit der Aufschrift "Tor zum Sauerland" in einer ländlichen Umgebung.

The limestone quarry of the Mitteldeutsche Hartstein-Industrie (MHI) is located in the Düstertal valley to the southwest of Bleiwäsche. The quarry offers a good insight into the extremely interesting geology of Bleiwäsche. Rarities such as malachite, azurite, galena, pyrite and copper carbonate can be found here as well as fossilized fossils.

The quarry, which is still being excavated, has a length of around 1000 m (excavation front) and a wall height of 70 m. The bottom of the quarry lies at 380 m above sea level. The high purity of the limestone in the Düstertal quarry makes it easy to use as an aggregate for the cement industry, as white lime and as a mix for road construction and as a fertilizer additive. It was not until 1987 that a large cave system called "Kreiselhalle-Malachitdom" was discovered by four speleologists from Brilon and designated as a protected landscape by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The quarry offers a good insight into the highly interesting geology of the northern Sauerland and is a worthwhile destination for stone and mineral collectors. In addition to unique mineral finds, paleontological discoveries have also been made. For example, remains of the prehistoric bear (bos primigenius) and the cave bear (urs spelaeus) have been found.

The Malachite Dome cave is unfortunately not open to the public for safety reasons.

Three newly created viewing points offer a good overview of the quarry. From there you can watch the daily quarrying work. You also have a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. Information boards provide information about the mining history of Bleiwäsch and the geological features.

In the summer months, the VHS offers guided excursions to the quarry. You can register with the town of Bad Wünnenberg Tel: 02953 709-0

Visits to the quarry are only possible during operating hours from Mon.-Fri. Appointments must be made with the MHI management.