MergelRijk (Marl Empire) - Valkenburg

MergelRijk is located in the caves of Valkenburg. You take a journey through the history of the caves. You will learn how the marl was formed some 65 million years ago. On the basis of fossils, you can see the most unusual animals that lived here in prehistoric times.

The historical stories are depicted in works of art made from marl and sand. You can even see a life-sized marl sculpture of The Night Watch! The Thomas Didden quarry takes you back hundreds of years in time. Until 300 years ago, this is where the 'block breakers' worked, cutting the blocks of marl from the caves. They worked in the pitch dark. When you enter the building, it is just as dark as it was then, yet in 1706 Thomas Didden managed to write his name on the wall. Now you can write your own name on the wall.

Of course, you can also work with marlstone yourself. Make your own marl souvenir, for instance. Since 2022, spectacular 3D cave paintings can be seen on the walls, ceilings and floors of the cave. These cave paintings have been created by the best 3D art artists in the world. The best way to experience them is to have your picture taken with them! So don't forget your camera or smartphone and create the nicest memories of the marl caves of Valkenburg.