Best caves around Bodensee (SG) are primarily man-made structures and rock cellars, offering insights into historical uses and local geology. The region, part of the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, features a landscape where such formations are found near historical sites. These caves provide a unique exploration opportunity within the natural and cultural context of the Bodensee area. The focus is on accessible, often historical, subterranean spaces rather than extensive natural cave systems.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Popular around Bodensee (SG)
Rock cellar in which a chapel was established. :)
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The Tivoli Cave in the city of St. Gallen is a small cave in the middle of a beautiful forest. The best way to get there is to take the bus to the "Hagenbuch" stop. Or take the wonderful panoramic path and then descend the Tivoli stairs. Please respect the privacy of the private property there! Continue directly to the right along the small path and DO NOT go left/straight across the small bridge. If you go all the way in (bring a headlamp), you won't get very far. It's almost a bit spooky there. If you look up, you'll see a shaft about 13 meters long that leads straight to the very top. This is where buckets used to be lowered to fetch water. The hole at the top was eventually sealed and covered with earth and no longer exists. Therefore, there was no escape route for the nuns. There used to be a rickety and very rotten wooden ladder here. This has since been removed for safety reasons. It is a man-made cave; clear marks made by tools have been discovered in the rock. The cave is about 17 meters long and between 6 and 7 meters wide. Source: thisismysaintgallen.com/tivolihoehle/
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The Tivoli Cave was probably a man-made water reservoir. Source and further information: https://stgallen24.ch/articles/281276-st-gallens-letztes-geheimnis-die-tivolihoehle
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A place worth seeing in St. Gallen, especially for little adventurers.
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The Felsenkeller is located near the Hoch-Altstätten Castle, a cave with a spherical diameter of about 3 m that was created by human hands and was probably used for storage, unfortunately there are no more doors. "Easy to reach on paths and supply roads from Altstätten, Marbach, Ober Lüchingen or St. Anton ..." also a fantastic mountain bike tour!
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A small cave in the rock, possibly an earlier cellar. Protected by a double gate, one side of which, however, was torn off its hinges. Inside a curve with a diameter of about 3m, as well as in height.
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The cave is a little hidden, but with the GPS you have to look for a hole in the floor, not a wall entrance. A rope was attached to the entrance through which you can slide down a good 20m. However, due to the difficult underground, I didn't dare to go any further, but it seems to go further. The cave is extremely slippery, even in hot weather, and good shoes, sturdy pants and good gloves are required to go just a few meters into it! CAUTION AND SECURITY ARE REQUIRED! Don't go in alone!
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A wall in the rock is bricked up with an old door, the door is open, behind it a small unused rock cellar. Not very exciting.
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The caves in the Bodensee (SG) region are primarily man-made structures and historical rock cellars. They offer insights into past uses, such as storage or water reservoirs, rather than extensive natural cave systems. You'll find subterranean spaces with historical significance and unique geological features.
While the guide focuses on man-made structures, the most prominent natural cave in the St. Gallen portion of the Bodensee area is the Kristallhöhle Kobelwald. It's known for its sparkling calcite crystals and stalactites, offering a fascinating experience with the sound of rushing water and unique light conditions.
The Kristallhöhle Kobelwald is typically open during the warmer months, from Easter Sunday until October 31st. During this period, it's open on Sundays and holidays without reservation from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visits on other days can be arranged by appointment.
Many of the man-made caves and rock cellars, such as the Tivoli Cave, are accessible and can be an interesting experience for families, especially for 'little adventurers'. The Felsenkeller Cave Near Burg Hoch-Altstätten is also easily reachable on paths.
The caves provide a glimpse into the region's history. For example, the Tivoli Cave was likely a man-made water reservoir, and the Felsenkeller Cave Near Burg Hoch-Altstätten was probably used for storage. You can observe tool marks in the rock, indicating their human construction and historical purpose.
The Ramstel Cave is more challenging to explore. It's hidden and requires GPS to locate a hole in the floor rather than a wall entrance. A rope is attached for a 20m slide down. The cave is extremely slippery, even in warm weather, so sturdy shoes, pants, and gloves are essential. It is strongly advised not to go alone due to safety concerns.
The Bodensee (SG) region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as those around Arbon Marina or the Birdwatching Tower Alter Rhein. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like 'Along the Old Rhine' or 'Rhine Delta Nature Reserve'. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Bodensee (SG) and Gravel biking around Bodensee (SG) guide pages.
While specific circular walks directly incorporating all caves aren't detailed, many of the man-made caves, like the Felsenkeller Cave Near Burg Hoch-Altstätten, are easily reachable on paths and supply roads, making them suitable for integration into longer walks or mountain bike tours from nearby towns like Altstätten or Marbach.
The Rock Cellar is a small, possibly historical, cave in the rock. It features a distinct curve with a diameter of about 3 meters and is protected by a double gate, though one side may be off its hinges.
Visitors appreciate the unique exploration opportunities these sites offer, from historical insights into man-made structures to the natural beauty of crystal formations in the Kristallhöhle Kobelwald. The accessibility of many sites and the chance to discover hidden gems are also highly valued.
For a broader overview of caves across Switzerland, you can consult resources like the List of caves in Switzerland on Wikipedia.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Bodensee (SG):