Top 20 Caves around Südharz
Best caves around Südharz are situated in a region known for its diverse geological formations, including karst landscapes and the Harz mountains. The area features a variety of natural caves, some with historical significance and unique geological characteristics. These underground environments offer insights into the region's natural history and geological processes. The Südharz provides a setting for exploring both natural wonders and historical sites.
Best caves around Südharz
- The most popular caves is Glasebach Adit (HWN 175), a historical…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Pioneer Tunnel (Pioniertunnel)
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Glasebach Adit (HWN 175)
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Barbarossa Cave (Touringen Stamp Point No. 135)
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Heimkehle Show Cave
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Barbarossa Cave
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The cozy restaurant serves Thuringian specialties. There is a snack bar with outdoor seating. Here you can wait with a drink and a little something to eat until the tours of the cave begin.
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The Barbarossa Cave covers 13,000 square meters and is one of only two existing show caves in the world, made of anhydrite rock, making it a geological rarity. The unique charm of this magical subterranean world lies in the uniquely beautiful, multi-layered play of colors of the white to gray rock.
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The Barbarossa Cave was discovered purely by chance. The idea was to revive copper shale mining in the Kyffhäuser region. In 1860, the entrepreneur Wilhelm von Born therefore had a tunnel dug beneath the ruins of the Falkenburg and directly on the old salt road to Bad Frankenhausen. Meter by meter, the miners penetrated further and further into the mountain. And then: after a distance of 178 meters, on December 22, 1865, the mountain suddenly opened up in front of them - they came across natural cavities of impressive size and beauty.
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The Barbarossa Cave was discovered in 1865 by miners searching for copper shale and opened to the public as a show cave two weeks later. A visit is definitely worthwhile, admission costs €9.50.
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Entrance fees are currently €9.50 with a guided tour
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The Barbarossa Cave is developed for tourism and is a popular excursion destination.
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The Pioneer Tunnel is a stop on the Selketalstieg between Alexisbad and Mägdesprung and is located on the east side of the picturesque Selke Valley. This artificial, around 10 meters long and relatively low passage was driven through the rock in May 1900 within a few days. The hiking trail leads through here. There is no alternative route over or around the rock, so if you don't want to turn back you have to squeeze through the narrow tunnel. On the south side of the tunnel you have a beautiful view of the Selke Valley and the surrounding mountains. Source: https://www.harzlife.de/bilder/pioniertunnel.html
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A large show cave, unfortunately, it was badly affected by the armaments industry in World War II.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the caves around Südharz unique?
The Südharz region is home to a diverse range of caves, including rare gypsum and anhydrite show caves. You can explore Germany's largest gypsum show cave, the Heimkehle Show Cave, known for its spacious chambers and historical significance. The Barbarossa Cave is one of only two anhydrite show caves in the world, featuring unique gypsum flaps and shimmering underground lakes. Additionally, the region offers river caves and those rich in stalactite formations.
Which caves in Südharz have significant historical importance?
The Heimkehle Show Cave holds a poignant history, having been used as an underground armaments factory during World War II, with a memorial inside. The Glasebach Adit (HWN 175) is a historical mining site. The Barbarossa Cave is also tied to the legend of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa.
Are there family-friendly caves to visit in Südharz?
Yes, several caves are suitable for families. The Barbarossa Cave is noted as family-friendly and features an above-ground geo-adventure landscape. The Heimkehle Show Cave also welcomes families, offering guided tours and a small playground at the outdoor restaurant.
What unique natural features can I expect to see in Südharz caves?
The Südharz caves offer diverse natural wonders. In the Barbarossa Cave, you'll find bizarrely curved 'gypsum flaps' and crystal-clear, blue-green underground lakes with impressive ceiling reflections. The Hermannshöhle is home to Germany's only grotto olms, rare aquatic salamanders. The Baumannshöhle boasts a spectacular array of stalactite and stalagmite formations, while the Heimkehle Show Cave is a significant wintering habitat for bats.
What is the best time to visit the caves in Südharz?
Caves generally maintain a cool, consistent temperature year-round, making them a good destination in any season. For the Heimkehle Show Cave, it's advised to pack a jacket as it's cold underground. Early morning visits to the Hermannshöhle offer the best chance to spot the shy grotto olms.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the Südharz caves?
The Südharz region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and easy hikes. For detailed routes and guides, explore options like Road Cycling Routes around Südharz, Gravel biking around Südharz, and Easy hikes around Südharz.
Are there any caves in Südharz known for their unique rock formations?
Absolutely. The Barbarossa Cave is globally recognized for its unique anhydrite rock, which transforms into gypsum 'flaps' due to humidity. The Baumannshöhle is famous for its abundant and diverse stalactite and stalagmite formations, including delicate 'macaronis'. The Heimkehle Show Cave is notable for its unusually spacious gypsum karst chambers.
What amenities are available near the Barbarossa Cave?
Near the Barbarossa Cave, you'll find a cozy restaurant serving Thuringian specialties and a snack bar with outdoor seating. This allows visitors to relax and eat while waiting for cave tours. There is also a geo-adventure landscape above ground for families.
Can I see any wildlife in the Südharz caves?
Yes, the Hermannshöhle is particularly special as it houses Germany's only grotto olms (Proteus anguinus), which are rare aquatic salamanders. The Heimkehle Show Cave is also a significant wintering quarter for various bat species, with thousands present during certain periods.
What is the Pioneer Tunnel and what does it offer?
The Pioneer Tunnel (Pioniertunnel) is an approximately 10-meter long rock breakthrough on the pioneer path. It's a man-made feature that offers views of the picturesque Selke Valley and is an integral part of the hiking trail, requiring hikers to pass through it.
Are there any caves in Südharz that host cultural events?
Yes, the Baumannshöhle features the 'Goethe Hall,' its largest chamber, which has an underground natural stage. This unique venue hosts theater performances, concerts, and even weddings, offering a distinctive cultural experience within the cave.
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