Top 15 Caves around Landkreis Nordhausen
Best caves around Landkreis Nordhausen are found in the southern Harz region, characterized by its unique gypsum karst landscape. This area offers a variety of geological formations, including accessible show caves and natural monuments. The region's natural features provide insights into the processes of karstification and offer diverse exploration opportunities. Visitors can discover underground lakes, historical sites, and significant bat habitats within these natural structures.
Best caves around Landkreis Nordhausen
- The most popular caves is Kelle gypsum karst cave,…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Kelle gypsum karst cave
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Höhnsdorf Sinkhole
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Forester's Cave
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Absolutely clean with a headlamp.
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B-3a tunnel system on the Himmelsberg
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Planned underground relocation in Himmelsberg near Woffleben to expand the Mittelwerk-Dora V-weapon production facility; conceived with 100,000 sqm / …
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Nordhausen Zwinger
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Kristinchen’s Cellar (cellar tavern from the 16th/17th century)
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Goldbörnchen Karst Spring
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Kohnsteinschwinde Cave Entrance
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Pferdestall (Immernüchtern's Cave)
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Old Explosives Bunker at Ellrich-Juliushütte Subcamp
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Tips from the Community
For safety reasons, explosives were always stored somewhat away from the mainland.
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The path up to the cave is very steep. It can be quite slippery in places, especially on the downhill. Please be careful!
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Very hidden and overgrown
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There is said to have been a small village between the Goldbörnchen and the country road.
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A detailed description can be found under Karstwanderung Försterhöhle. For the benefit of the bats, the cave should be off-limits to everyone.
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looks very cool
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Old abandoned explosives bunker on the former Ellrich Juliushütte concentration camp outpost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the caves in Landkreis Nordhausen unique?
The caves in Landkreis Nordhausen are primarily characterized by their unique gypsum karst landscape. This geological formation, rare in Germany, results in exceptionally spacious chambers and features like underground lakes. The region is recognized as a "National Geotope" for its insights into gypsum karst processes.
Which caves are accessible for visitors in Landkreis Nordhausen?
The most accessible caves for visitors are the Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave and Kelle gypsum karst cave. The Heimkehle offers guided tours through its impressive chambers, while Die Kelle features a visible cave lake and is directly accessible via the Karstwanderweg.
Are there any caves with underground lakes in the region?
Yes, the Kelle gypsum karst cave is known for its approximately 5-meter-deep cave lake, which often displays a beautiful turquoise color. The Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave also historically contained vast interconnected lakes, and visitors can still see glass-clear underground water bodies.
What historical significance do the caves in Landkreis Nordhausen hold?
The Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave has a poignant history, having been used as a bomb-proof underground factory during World War II for aircraft parts production. A monument in the "Small Dome" commemorates the forced laborers. Die Kelle, mentioned since the 16th century, was once a pilgrimage site and is the oldest natural monument in the district.
Can I see bats in the caves of Landkreis Nordhausen?
Yes, the Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave is a significant habitat for various bat species, with eleven different species identified using it as a winter roost or year-round habitat. The Försterhöhle near Steigerthal is also primarily known as a day and winter habitat for bats and is under nature protection.
Are there family-friendly caves to visit in the area?
The Die Kelle — karst cave and cave lake is tagged as family-friendly and offers an easy descent to view its unique cave lake. The Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave, as a show cave with guided tours, is also suitable for families.
How long do guided tours typically last at the Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave?
Guided tours at the Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave typically last about 45 minutes. These tours provide interesting information about the cave's formation, geology, and historical significance.
What should I wear when visiting the caves?
Caves maintain cool temperatures even in summer, so it's advisable to wear warm clothing. For exploring caves like the Forester's Cave, grippy shoe soles are recommended, and a headlamp is essential for deeper exploration.
Are there hiking trails near the caves in Landkreis Nordhausen?
Yes, the Kelle gypsum karst cave is directly accessible via the Karstwanderweg (Karst Hiking Trail). Additionally, you can find various hiking opportunities in the region, including Mountain Hikes around Landkreis Nordhausen and Waterfall hikes around Landkreis Nordhausen.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Kelle gypsum karst cave?
Visitors frequently highlight the beautiful and intense turquoise shimmer of the grotto lake, especially when sunlight hits it. Many describe the site as mystical and appreciate the easy access via wooden steps, making it a real insider tip for nature lovers.
What other natural features can I explore in the area besides caves?
Beyond the caves, Landkreis Nordhausen offers other geological points of interest such as the Höhnsdorf Sinkhole, a collapse shaft formed in karstified rock, and the Goldbörnchen Karst Spring, a small spring emerging from the ground, showcasing the region's hydrological features.
Are there any caves that are not open to the public?
Yes, the Himmelreichhöhle near Ellrich, while an impressive karst cave, is not permitted for entry due to safety concerns regarding falling rocks. Similarly, the Försterhöhle is primarily a bat habitat under nature protection and not a public show cave.
Where can I learn more about the geology of the Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave?
At the exit of the Heimkehle Nature Adventure Cave, there is a Karstmuseum that provides detailed information about the geology, speleology, and mining history of the region, offering deeper insights into the cave's formation and significance.
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