Top 12 Caves around Bad Reichenhall
Best caves around Bad Reichenhall are found nestled in the Bavarian Alps, offering access to diverse underground attractions. The region features natural caves, grottos, and historic subterranean sites. Some notable locations are directly within Germany, while others are a short distance across the Austrian border. This area provides a range of subterranean experiences for explorers.
Best caves around Bad Reichenhall
- The most popular caves is Mittagsscharte, a mountain pass that contains the "Steinerner Kaser" cave. This cave is known for a light phenomenon observed on specific dates.
- Another must-see spot is Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein, a natural grotto. This fine natural grotto served as a hermitage before 1800 and features a small chapel built into the rock.
- Visitors also love St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof), a historical site with catacombs. These catacombs are carved into the mountain and are likely of late antique origin, featuring the Gertraudenkapelle and Maximuskapelle.
- Bad Reichenhall is known for natural grottos, mountain caves, and historical catacombs. The region offers a variety of underground experiences, from natural formations to sites with historical significance.
- The caves around Bad Reichenhall are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and 200 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Mittagsscharte
Highlight • Mountain Pass
location
It is located between the Salzburg Hochthron (1 853 m above sea level) in the north and the Raucheck (1 891 m above sea level) in the south at an altitude of 1 671 m above sea level. A. directly on the border between Austria and Germany.
particularity
The Alpine shaman Rainer Limpöck describes in his books Myth Untersberg and High and Holy - encounters of people and spirits on Untersberg some phenomena that are scientifically so unexplained. This is how Limpöck thinks this is the ... place where "Middle-earth" begins, where the giant devil with his divine powers has shaped, where healing happens, where the sun shines into the underworld, where heaven and earth connect. ,
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St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof)
Highlight • Historical Site
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Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein
Highlight • Cave
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Schellenberger Ice Cave
Highlight • Cave
The cave is open from the end of May to October. Admission costs 12.50 euros for adults and 6 euros for children and young people (6 to 16 years).
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Lourdes Grotto at Kirchholz
Highlight • Religious Site
The statue of Mary once stood in a Lourdes grotto in the girls' secondary school in St. Both the school and the grotto were destroyed in the bombing raid on April 25th, 1945. The Madonna, however, remained intact and was moved to its current location in 1952. The grotto was built by the residents of 'Froschham' (St. Zeno) and inaugurated on March 24th, 1952. Since then, a rosary has been held there on the 13th of May to October.
Description:
On the western edge of Kirchholz in the district of St. Zeno, a few stairs lead from Kirchholzweg up to the Lourdes grotto. The niche in the rock, closed with iron bars in the lower area, contains a colorful figure of the Virgin in white, gold-rimmed robes and a blue, tied sash. She wears a rosary on her right arm and her hands are clasped in prayer.
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Tips from the Community
Fine natural grotto which served as a hermitage before 1800
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Good footwear Take enough to drink with you Sure-footedness required
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It is located between the Salzburger Hochthron (1,853 m above sea level) in the north and the Raucheck (1,891 m above sea level) in the south at an altitude of 1,671 m above sea level. A. right on the border between Austria and Germany. Crossing the Untersberg from the Berchtesgadener to the Salzburger Hochthron is one of the most beautiful tours in the Berchtesgaden Alps. The varied path leads over the extensive high plateau with its huge sinkholes - an extraordinary landscape that is second to none.
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At the southern end of the Mittagsscharte, a few meters north of the crossroads, directly below the "Steinerner Kaser" stone hut (currently leased from the State Speleology Association in Salzburg) is the entrance to the cave of the same name. The Salzburg ethnographer and historian Franz Valentin Zillner writes about this: ...(The) Mittagsscharte, from which one enters the large cave, the Steinernen Kaser, through which all legends say the entrance to the interior of the mountain is located.. .
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The border between Bavaria and the Salzburger Land runs through the Mittagsscharte. It is located between the Salzburger Hochthron (1,853 m above sea level) in the north and the Raucheck (1,891 m above sea level) in the south at an altitude of 1,671 m above sea level. A. right on the border between Austria and Germany. At the southern end of the Mittagsscharte, a few meters north of the crossroads, the entrance to the cave of the same name is located directly below the stone hut "Steinerner Kaser" (currently leased from the Landesverein für Speleology in Salzburg). The Salzburg ethnographer and historian Franz Valentin Zillner writes about this: ...(The) Mittagsscharte, from which one enters the large cave, the Steinernen Kaser, through which all legends say the entrance to the interior of the mountain is located.. .
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Fascinating ice formations and magnificent halls deep inside the legendary Untersberg. The only and largest developed ice show cave provides a cooling, almost unreal experience in the summer months. With 60,000 cubic meters of ice and a thickness of up to 30 meters, Schellenberger Ice Cave on Untersberg, the largest ice cave in Germany high above Marktschellenberg, fascinates its visitors.
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The Schellenberger Ice Cave is the largest ice show cave in Germany and an attractive destination in the Berchtesgaden and Salzburg region.
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Anyone who likes caves and ice cream is in good hands here. Dress warmly and you will have an impressive experience
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique cave experiences can I find near Bad Reichenhall?
The region offers a diverse range of subterranean experiences. You can explore Germany's only show ice cave, the Schellenberger Ice Cave, witness historical salt mining at the Old Salt Works, or discover natural grottos like the Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein.
Are there any ice caves in the Bad Reichenhall area?
Yes, the Schellenberger Ice Cave is Germany's largest and only show ice cave. It features spectacular ice formations, some estimated to be 2000 years old. Tours are conducted with carbide lamps, enhancing the sense of exploration.
What historical underground sites can I visit near Bad Reichenhall?
The Old Salt Works in Bad Reichenhall offers an intriguing experience within historic mining tunnels, showcasing the history of salt extraction. Additionally, St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) features catacombs carved into the mountain, likely of late antique origin, including the Gertraudenkapelle and Maximuskapelle.
Are there family-friendly caves around Bad Reichenhall?
The Old Salt Works is a great family-friendly option, offering interactive exhibits and a captivating story of salt production. The Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein is also considered family-friendly, offering a fine natural grotto experience with a small chapel built into the rock.
What should I wear when visiting caves in the Bad Reichenhall area?
Temperatures underground are consistently cool. For the Schellenberger Ice Cave, expect temperatures around 0.5 degrees Celsius, so warm clothing is essential. The Lamprechtsofen Cave maintains about 5 degrees Celsius, and the Old Salt Works is around 12 degrees Celsius. Always bring layers, even in summer.
When is the best time to visit the caves?
The Schellenberger Ice Cave is generally open from May to October. The Lamprechtsofen Cave is open daily from May to October, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from October to April. The Old Salt Works typically has year-round access, but it's always best to check their specific operating hours.
How long do cave tours typically last?
Guided tours at the Schellenberger Ice Cave last approximately 45 minutes. The guided tour of the Old Salt Works lasts one hour, followed by access to the salt museum.
Are there any caves that offer a more adventurous experience?
The Schellenberger Ice Cave requires a challenging, multi-hour hike to reach, adding to its adventurous appeal. Just across the border in Austria, the Lamprechtsofen Cave offers more specialized and deeper routes for serious cavers, often requiring special equipment, in addition to its tourist path.
What natural phenomena can I observe in the caves?
The Mittagsscharte, a mountain pass containing the "Steinerner Kaser" cave, is known for a light phenomenon observed on specific dates, particularly around 2 PM on August 15th and June 21st. The Schellenberger Ice Cave showcases spectacular ice formations, some thousands of years old.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a cave visit near Bad Reichenhall?
The region around Bad Reichenhall offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, including touring, gravel, and road cycling, such as the 'Brewery Tour' or routes along the Saalach River. For more details on routes, visit the Cycling around Bad Reichenhall guide.
Are there hiking trails to reach any of the caves?
Yes, reaching the Schellenberger Ice Cave involves a challenging, multi-hour hike through the Berchtesgaden Alps. This hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views and is part of the unique experience of visiting this ice cave.
Are there any religious or spiritual sites within the caves or grottos?
Yes, the Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein served as a hermitage before 1800 and features a small chapel built into the rock. Additionally, the Lourdes Grotto at Kirchholz, though not a natural cave, is a significant religious site with a Madonna statue, located on a pilgrimage route.
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