Rohdenhaus Quarry (incl. Krieger Quarry)

Rohdenhaus, Wülfrath, Mettmann, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Steinbruch Rohdenhaus (einschl. Steinbruch Krieger), Rohdenhaus, Wülfrath, Region Niederberg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

Rohdenhaus Quarry is located in Rohdenhaus, Wülfrath, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, near Velbert and Wuppertal.
It produces minerals like Adamite, Aurichalcite, and Hemimorphite, with some rare finds attracting collectors.
The quarry extracts upper Devonian limestones, aged 382–358 million years, with mineral-rich veins.
Mining started in the late 19th century, is active today under Rheinkalk GmbH, but mineral collecting is banned since 2012.
Wülfrath’s historic old town and the Zeittunnel Wülfrath museum highlight local culture; the area supports unique ecosystems for butterflies and bees.

Geographic Location

Rohdenhaus Quarry sits in Rohdenhaus, part of Wülfrath in the Mettmann district, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This region is in western Germany, near the borders with the Netherlands and Belgium, within the industrial Ruhr area. It’s about 1.5 km northeast of Rohdenhaus and northwest of Wülfrath, with nearby cities including Velbert (2.1 km away), Wülfrath (3.9 km), Heiligenhaus (4.5 km), Mettmann (8.5 km), and Wuppertal (10.5 km). The coordinates are 51° 19' 1'' North, 7° 2' 0'' East, making it accessible for enthusiasts exploring the area.

Minerals Produced

The quarry is famous for its diverse minerals, stemming from lead, zinc, and copper veins in the limestone. Notable finds include Adamite, Aurichalcite, Hemimorphite, Sphalerite, and Smithsonite, with some, like Brianyoungite, being rare. These minerals have drawn collectors globally, though access is restricted now.

Geological Structure

It exploits upper Devonian limestones, dating back 382–358 million years, with mineral-rich veins formed by ancient hydrothermal activity. The “Schieferkeil” fold, a significant geological feature, is visible in the quarry walls, offering insights into the region’s tectonic past.

Mining History

Operations began in the late 19th century under RWK Kali AG, merging into Rheinkalk GmbH in 1999, part of the Lhoist Group. It remains active, extracting about 7.5 million tons of limestone annually from Rohdenhaus and Silberberg. A fatal accident in 2008 led to a ban on mineral collecting from 2009–2011, and since 2012, collecting is prohibited, focusing on safety and industrial use.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Wülfrath’s historic old town, with half-timbered houses and a church, adds charm. The area is Europe’s largest limestone quarrying region, and the Zeittunnel Wülfrath museum, in a disused quarry, explores mining history. Walking routes around the quarry blend industrial and natural landscapes, enhancing cultural exploration.

Climate and Ecology

Germany’s temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers, frames the area. While the active quarry has limited ecology, limestone quarries generally support unique habitats for species like the Silver-studded Blue butterfly and wild bees, especially in disused sites, contributing to regional biodiversity.