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Huel Lee
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Landmark
The Huel Lee (Hollow Stone) is an impressive, partly natural and partly artificially expanded cave formation in the Mullerthal near Berdorf. For centuries, presumably since Roman times, this striking site served as a quarry for the extraction of millstones. Circular indentations in the ceiling and on the walls still testify today to the arduous labor involved in hewing the stones directly from the Luxembourg sandstone. The extraction created a vast, cathedral-like hall supported by massive rock pillars. Geologically, the Huel Lee is part of the Berdorf plateau and displays the typical layering of Lias sandstone. The site is not only a significant industrial monument but also a popular destination for hikers on the Mullerthal Trail due to its cool and shady location. Nearby is the 'Amphitheater,' another facility shaped by quarrying activities, which is now used for cultural events.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: A Schmadds · Saint-Jean · Véiergëtterstee vu Bäerdref
- Nearby: Beaufort (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 64 | 63 | 49 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 81 | 59 | 67 | 72 | 84 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Huel Lee cave is freely accessible and can be entered without restrictions. Since it was artificially enlarged, the passages are spacious and safe to walk, but sturdy footwear is recommended.
Typical hours
The cave has no fixed opening hours and is best accessible during daylight hours. A visit late in the morning avoids shadows and provides good light conditions in the niches.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the cave, a flash can help to illuminate the millstone traces carved into the sandstone. A tripod is only of limited use due to the uneven floors.
Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for exploring the cave. Those who wish to see the surrounding sandstone formations as well should allow an hour or more.
Combine with
Huel Lee lies in Müllerthal and is part of several hiking trails, so it is worth combining with the 'Perekop' rock formation or the 'Berdorfer Panoramaweg'. The nearby 'Kallektuffquell' is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The cave is accessible via a hiking trail from Berdorf, starting from the car park at 'Berdorfer Haff'. The path is well marked and leads to the cave in about 15 minutes.
Insider tip
Bring a flashlight to illuminate the deepest niches of the cave - the clearest millstone traces are often visible there. Visit the cave on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Geography
Facts
- The cave served for centuries as a quarry for millstones.
- Circular traces of stone extraction are visible on the ceiling.
- The flat ceiling is supported by rock pillars left in place.
- The sandstone quarried here was highly valued as far back as the Middle Ages.
- The Huel Lee is located directly on the Mullerthal Trail Route 2.
- An amphitheater for open-air performances is located nearby.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Huel Lee (10)
Maria
Wayside shrine or image in the region.
Adlerhorst
Rock massif with several viewpoints, new platform, wheelchair accessible.
Teufelsinsel
Viewpoint in the Müllerthal region.
Hohllay
Hollowed-out rock near Müllerthal.
Siewenschlueff
Viewpoint in the Müllerthal region.
Dolmen
Archaeological site, possibly a dolmen in the area.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Huel Lee?
It is a man-made cave created by the extraction of millstones.
Can you still see the circular marks?
Yes, the imprints of the millstones are clearly visible on the ceiling and walls.
Where is the cave located?
It is located in the forest near Berdorf, close to the Breechkaul amphitheater.
Is entrance free?
Yes, the cave is freely accessible and part of local hiking trails.
What were the millstones used for?
They were used for mills in the region and beyond.
Huel Lee: where is it located?
Huel Lee is located in Luxembourg.
Huel Lee: what is there to see?
Highlights include A Schmadds, Saint-Jean, Véiergëtterstee vu Bäerdref.
Huel Lee: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Huel Lee: why is it worth visiting?
The Huel Lee (Hollow Stone) is an impressive, partly natural and partly artificially expanded cave formation in the Mullerthal near Berdorf.
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