Best caves around Höflein Lower Austria offer a range of natural and historical features for exploration. The region, particularly Höflein an der Hohen Wand, is characterized by scenic hiking opportunities and proximity to various natural landmarks. Visitors can discover a mix of natural cave formations and sites with paleontological significance. The area provides diverse terrain for those interested in exploring underground features.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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The Lourdes Grotto of Maria Ellend is a historically documented part of the pilgrimage site at the Maria Ellend shrine. It was built in 1909 on the opposite side of the road from the parish and pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Rosary and is modeled after the famous grotto of Lourdes in France. It is nestled within a park-like landscape of approximately four hectares, which was landscaped at the beginning of the 20th century with Stations of the Cross, a Rosary path, and several chapels. Since then, the grotto has served as a central place for Marian devotion, quiet prayer, and larger outdoor devotions, enriching the pilgrimage tradition of Maria Ellend both in terms of content and location.
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Opposite the Grafenlucke cave is this small nature reserve with some tree carvings. Unfortunately, access is not permitted, as it is private!
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On your tour through Maria Ellend, discover the Lourdes Grotto, a place of peace and reflection. This lovingly crafted replica of the famous Grotto of Lourdes invites you to take a short break. Here you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and listen to the rippling water. The grotto is a beautiful and striking point along your route, perfectly integrated into a hike or bike ride.
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The Güntherhöhle can be reached from the tourist trail via a steep climb in a few minutes. The path is also suitable for active dogs.
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Up a few steps and then you can take a look at the 2 locked gates!
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You can still admire these up close.
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To the west of the Zwergelloch lies the most famous cave in the Hundsheim Mountains, the Güntherhöhle with the bone gap, both of which are parts of what was originally a single cave room. For reasons of cave and bat protection, the entrances had to be closed. To the south of the cave, in the so-called bone gap, fossil remains of the woolly rhinoceros were found. It entered science as the “Hundsheim rhinoceros” (Rhinoceros Stephanorhinus hundsheimensis). Source: www.hundsheim.gv.at/Lebensraum_gemeinde/ Unser_gemeinde/Freizeit_und_Tourismus/Allgemeine_Information/Steinbrueche_und_Hoehlen
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After a few steps you will reach the Bear Cave, a natural monument.
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The Höflein region offers a diverse range of underground features. You can find natural cave formations, such as the Grafenlucke (Gypsy Cave) with its unique half-caves, and sites with historical and paleontological significance like the Bear Cave (Winden am See). There are also man-made grottoes, such as the peaceful Lourdes Grotto Maria Ellend.
Yes, the region is rich in such sites. The Bear Cave (Winden am See) is a natural monument with historical significance, featuring old brickwork traces and standing under federal monument protection. Additionally, the Günther Cave in the Hundsheim Mountains is famous for fossil remains, including those of the woolly rhinoceros.
The Lourdes Grotto Maria Ellend is a family-friendly option, offering a peaceful atmosphere within a park-like landscape. Its lovingly crafted replica of the famous Grotto of Lourdes provides a reflective and accessible experience for all ages.
Access varies by cave. The Grafenlucke (Gypsy Cave) has a forecourt suitable for picnics. The Bear Cave (Winden am See) is barred for protection but is a natural monument worth seeing from the outside. For the Günther Cave, due to cave and bat protection, the entrances are closed, but you can borrow a key from the Hundsheim community to visit.
Yes, many caves in the Höflein region are integrated into hiking routes. For example, the Günther Cave can be reached via a steep climb from a tourist trail. You can find various hiking routes around Höflein, including easy to moderate options, by exploring the Hiking around Höflein guide.
Beyond exploring caves, the Höflein region offers excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find numerous routes, from easy to moderate, that allow you to discover the scenic landscapes. Check out the Hiking around Höflein and Cycling around Höflein guides for detailed route information.
The region around Höflein, particularly Höflein an der Hohen Wand, is known for its scenic beauty. Near the Bärenhöhle (Bear Cave, mentioned in regional research), you can find breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views from the 1,023-meter-high 'Gelände' at the western end of the Hohe Wand. The area also features forests and diverse terrain.
The region's caves can be visited throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly interesting for observing wildlife. For instance, bats of various species are found in the narrow crevasses of the Grafenlucke (Gypsy Cave) during these seasons. Always check specific cave access conditions, especially for those that might be closed for protection.
Yes, the area offers stunning viewpoints. Near the Bärenhöhle (Bear Cave, as per regional research), you can experience 360-degree panoramic views from the 'Gelände' at the western end of the Hohe Wand, which is at an elevation of 1,023 meters.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Grafenlucke (Gypsy Cave) is noted for its natural stone caves that are beautiful in the sun, and its forecourt is a popular picnic spot. The Bear Cave (Winden am See) is considered a natural monument worth seeing, even if barred. The peaceful atmosphere of the Lourdes Grotto Maria Ellend is also highly valued.
The Grafenlucke (Gypsy Cave) is a natural monument consisting of several artificially altered half-caves. Its forecourt is a popular picnic area. In spring and autumn, bats of various species can be found in its narrow crevasses. The natural stone caves are particularly beautiful when illuminated by the afternoon sun.
The Günther Cave, located west of the Zwergelloch in the Hundsheim Mountains, is known for its paleontological finds, including woolly rhinoceros fossils. For reasons of cave and bat protection, the entrances are closed, but you can borrow a key from the Hundsheim community to visit. The path to the cave is a steep climb from the tourist trail and is also suitable for active dogs.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Höflein: