Schlossberg Caves: «Mosaics» of Sandstone Layers

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There is a hill within 20-minute walking distance ofthe Homburg center, on which a huge Hohenburg fortress (SchlossHohenburg) wasbuilt in the XII century. Alas, only its ruins are left today, but they offerwonderful views of Saar and Homburg. Schlossberg sandstone caves (Schlossberghöhlen)are located not far from the ruins.

Historiansbelieve that the caves started to be used in the early Middle Ages, when thefirst tunnels were holed in the soft sandstone, through which the castleinhabitants could leave it in the event of emergency. Later, sandstone startedto be extracted there, which was used as a building material and raw materialfor glass production. In the XIX century, Schlossberg caves turned to be in acritical condition and were closed. The caves were newly discovered only in the1930s. A bomb shelter was arranged here during World War II. The total lengthof cave passages through 12 levels is five kilometers, but now only a smallpart is open for tourists. It is allowed to enter the caves only with a guide. Atthe entrance all the visitors are given helmets. In the largest caves you canadmire the arched ceilings decorated with whimsical "mosaic" made ofmulticolor sandstone layers. The tour program includes a visit to a secretbunker, which was built in 1950 for the Saar Government. The territory wasstill part of France at that time, but had a significant autonomy: Saar had itsown stamps, own currency and license plates on cars, and Saar team evenparticipated in 1952 Olympic Games.

Schlossberg Caves: «Mosaics» of Sandstone Layers

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