Top 4 Caves in Freyung-Grafenau

Geological observation Numerous rock outcrops with strong "Wollsack" weathering can be found in the entire area. During the Tertiary period, the rock was deeply weathered. Only in the area of more compact granite domes could the weathering not progress so quickly. During the Quaternary period, the weathered layers were eroded. Only the intact rock areas remained. The rock ensemble of rounded granite blocks near the "Steinernes Kirchlein" forms small hollows, niches, and rock passages. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=272R028

The quartz cave is located on the northern edge of the Pfahl ridge at Thomasleite. It is part of the geotope. The outcrop is accessible via the field path from Kapfham, at the end of which is a hiking parking area. The rock ridge runs approximately east-west. In the east, the rocks consist almost entirely of gray to beige-gray quartz vein breccia of the Bavarian Pfahl, which, despite its closely spaced jointing, is quite compact due to secondary silicification. In the west, the rock ridge consists predominantly of ultramylonite, which is strongly silicified and interspersed with sharply defined quartz veins. The outcrop is bordered to the north by Pfahl schists, and on the southeast edge, there is evidence of old mining in the ultramylonite (whetstone?). A small quarry ("quartz quarry") is located on the signposted historical hiking trail of the municipality of Ringelai. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=272R022

Hidden in the dense greenery of the Bavarian Forest lies the Diebstein Cave, a fascinating natural phenomenon and a place that has captured the imagination for centuries. Formed by so-called "semi-finished weathering," the cave offers a striking insight into the geological dynamics of the region: The rock is less resistant in deeper layers and weathers more quickly – this is how the cave-like cavities, which can now be explored with a flashlight, were formed. The name "Diebstein Cave" is not accidental. In the past, it was considered sinister by the local population, a refuge for poachers and cattle rustlers, who hid their loot here and allegedly even slaughtered it. Legend has it that they hung the meat on nails inside the cave. Traces of this were reportedly visible until the 1930s. The cave is part of a popular hiking trail around Saldenburg and Thurmansbang. The route leads through tranquil forests, past rock formations and small chapels, an experience for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking the unassuming and unspoiled. The Diebstein Cave is not a tourist hotspot with a signage system and souvenir shop, but a powerful place whose silence and isolation touch the soul. https://www.ostbayern-tourismus.de/attraktionen/diebsteinhoehle-462b9fbdc5

Directly adjacent to parking lot P3 (Jandelsbrunner Straße) in Waldkirchen is an earth cellar that was discovered and partially destroyed during the construction of the parking lot. The two preserved sections are the rearmost parts of the entire complex, which originally consisted of three "side arms" (Image 4, from: Der Erdstall 13). They were "hand-carved" without heavy equipment in the heavily encrusted Hauzenberg-Hutthum granite, which is particularly evident in the "face" of the left side arm (Image 3). The preserved total length is approximately 16 meters. Other earth cellars, also known as "Schrazelgänge," are located in the town of Waldkirchen. However, these are only accessible via the cellars of private homes. The building at parking lot P3, however, is open to the public as part of guided city tours. Information is available from the Building Department in the Town Hall (Rathausplatz 1) or the City Archives in the Community Center (Ringmauerstraße 14). Both the exact date of construction and the actual purpose of the structures have not yet been definitively determined. The geotope is under special protection as an archaeological monument (monument no. D-2-7247-0188). Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=272G009 https://youtu.be/Qd5Acq8wqyQ

small grotto on the side of the road

very short cave - approx. 1-2 m

The Stone Church is a rock formation. The weathered rocks form towers, crevices and caves. An iron cross is attached to one such cave. Hence the name Stone Church.

Very nice rocks and a great trail