Archaeological Excursion About 6000 years ago, in the Savelsbos near Rijckholt, there was an underground mining area where prehistoric people extracted flints from which tools such as knives and axes were made. These mines were already abandoned in prehistoric times and only rediscovered around 1880. They were excavated between 1964 and 1972 and in the 1970s the investigated part of the mines was made accessible to visitors.
The visitors walk with a guide from Rijckholt to the mine, while the guide tells about geology, landscape and archaeology. The guides have received training in geology and archaeology and are themselves closely involved in research in and around the flint mine. An underground visit is made to the mine where the prehistoric passages are viewed.
In total, the excursion lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, with a lot of walking through the forest.
Work at the flint mine.
Work will be carried out in the flint mine in 2021 and 2022. During the week on working days, the contractor is busy with consolidation work in the flint mine. During the excursion, the flint mine will be visited, part of which will be closed for contractors' work. Before the excursion, the beautiful places can still be visited and the prehistoric corridors are clearly visible.
What should you take into account?
The excursions start from the large free parking lot opposite Eetcafé "Riekelt" in Rijckholt, Rijksweg 184, 6247 AN Rijckholt. There is plenty of free parking here.
You can NOT pay cash with the guide. You must book in advance, joining the excursion is temporarily not possible due to Corona registration.
Since the guide still has to check the reservations, we kindly ask you to be present at the starting point at least 15 to 20 minutes in advance.
The excursion consists of a 2 to 2.5 hour walk for which good walking shoes and walking clothing are required. No special things are required for the visit to the flint mines. There is adequate lighting and there is no climbing or crawling.
Participants in the excursion must be able to walk, the excursion is not suitable for disabled participants. Children are very welcome.
The mine has a constant temperature of 11 degrees, so even in summer it is necessary to bring a sweater or pullover for the underground part of the excursion.
The excursion always takes place, even when it rains. The excursion will only be canceled in case of thunderstorms, more than wind force 7 and other dangerous weather.
Dogs are allowed, provided they are on a leash and under supervision.
This text has been automatically translated using an online translation service.