Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Caves
Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland
St. Gallen

Eichberg

Top 14 Caves around Eichberg

Caves around Eichberg offer diverse opportunities for exploration within the broader region. While Eichberg itself may not host specific caves, its location provides access to a variety of subterranean natural features and historical sites. The area is characterized by varied hiking terrain, leading to unique geological formations and cultural landmarks.

Best caves around Eichberg

  • The most popular caves is Wildkirchli Chapel (St. Michael’s Cave Chapel), a religious building located within a cave. This site features a chapel established in…

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Wildkirchli Chapel (St. Michael’s Cave Chapel)

Highlight • Religious Site

Wildkirchli, Chapel of St. Michael - history
In 1621, Father Philippus Tanner from Appenzell went to the Wildkirchli to bless the cattle. He was so taken with this cave that …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Wildkirchli Caves

Highlight • Cave

A mystical place that must be passed through on the way through the rock face to Ebenalp.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Kristallhöhle Kobelwald

Highlight • Cave

Great cave, definitely worth a visit.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Wichenstein Cave Castle Ruin

Highlight • Castle

Wiechenstein Castle Ruins, a former four-story castle in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Kalkofenhöhle Cave

Highlight • Cave

The lime kiln cave was exposed in the course of the construction work for the Rhine Valley motorway. The bottom of the cave is two meters below the current valley …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more caves around Eichberg.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Eichberg

Lake and Alps Adventure – explore 100 dreamy places in our cycling region!

Cycling around Eichberg

Hiking around Eichberg

MTB Trails around Eichberg

Road Cycling Routes around Eichberg

Mountain Hikes around Eichberg

Running Trails around Eichberg

Gravel biking around Eichberg

Other adventures around Eichberg

Lake and Alps Adventure – explore 100 dreamy places in our cycling region!

Road Cycling Collection by

Lake and Alps

Tips from the Community

Roger Eggenberger 🐾👣
July 1, 2025, Wildkirchli Caves

What was built here is simply brilliant.

Translated by Google

8

0

Simply magnificent here..

Translated by Google

8

0

Our mountain guesthouse has seen many a proud face after the steep climb. The guesthouse, in its current form, has existed since 1860, making it one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland. Pastor Ulmann was the first hermit to live in the hermitage in the Wildkirchli in 1658. More than 20 men followed his example until 1853, shaping the history of the Wildkirchli as hermits and first hosts. Since then, this mystical place has fascinated generations. Stories are told of little wild people who are said to have once lived in the Wildkirchli caves and come to the aid of the herdsmen. The Aescher inspires poets and artists to create new works. Bones of cave bears and stone tools bear witness to the cave's ancient shelter. Source: https://aescher.ch/

Translated by Google

7

0

Very impressive, beautiful to look at! Services are also held here.

Translated by Google

8

0

A great cave, with very interesting information. The hiking trail leads directly through the cave.

Translated by Google

11

0

Great cave, definitely worth a visit.

Translated by Google

8

0

Wiechenstein Castle Ruins, a former four-story castle in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley.

Translated by Google

8

0

Paul
August 3, 2024, Wildkirchli Caves

former hermit's house / Wildkirchli caves Below the Ebenalp are the world-famous Wildkirchli caves with the former hermit's house and the neighboring altar cave. This place gained world fame due to archaeological excavations that uncovered a large number of cave bear skeletons and tools from the Paleolithic period. Text / Source: Appenzellerland Tourismus AI, Hauptgasse 38, CH-9050 Appenzell https://www.appenzell.ch/de/alpstein/perlen-des-alpsteins/wildkirchlihoehle.html

Translated by Google

12

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of caves can I explore around Eichberg?

The region around Eichberg offers a diverse range of caves, from historical cave chapels and former hermit dwellings to natural monuments with impressive geological formations. You can find caves with significant cultural history, extensive systems, and unique crystal deposits.

Are there any family-friendly caves near Eichberg?

Yes, Kristallhöhle Kobelwald is considered family-friendly and offers an interesting excursion for visitors of all ages. It's known for being one of the largest calcite caves in Europe.

What historical or cultural sites are located within caves around Eichberg?

You can visit the Wildkirchli Chapel (St. Michael’s Cave Chapel), a religious building established in 1621 within a cave. Nearby, the Wildkirchli Caves include a chapel and a former hermit's dwelling, now a museum, where Neanderthal presence was once discovered. Additionally, the Wichenstein Cave Castle Ruin offers a unique historical experience with its former four-story castle built into a cave.

What unique geological features can be found in the caves around Eichberg?

The Kristallhöhle Kobelwald is renowned for its large calcite deposits, making it one of Europe's most significant calcite caves. The Kalkofenhöhle Cave, though its original stalactites were destroyed, is now slowly reforming new, small stalactites and sintered tubes, showcasing ongoing geological processes.

Are there hiking trails that lead to or through these caves?

Yes, the hiking trail to the Wildkirchli Caves actually leads directly through them, offering a mystical and immersive experience. The path to the Wichenstein Cave Castle Ruin involves a relatively steep forest path with stairs along the rock face.

What should I know before visiting Kristallhöhle Kobelwald?

When planning a visit to Kristallhöhle Kobelwald, it's important to check the opening times beforehand. During heavy rains, parts of the cave may be partially flooded, so it's advisable to consider weather conditions.

What other outdoor activities can I do near the caves around Eichberg?

Beyond exploring caves, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes, running trails, and cycling routes around Eichberg, catering to different difficulty levels and interests.

Are there any unique caving experiences in the broader region beyond Eichberg?

While Eichberg itself doesn't have prominent caves, the broader region offers unique experiences. For example, the Tiefenhöhle in Laichingen, Germany, is the only vertical show cave in Germany. The Stream cave in Wimsen, Germany, allows boat exploration, and Austria's Lamprechtshöhle is one of its largest cave systems, requiring warm clothing due to constant low temperatures.

What is the largest cave system in the broader region?

The Schönberg Cave System in the Dead Mountains, Austria, is the longest cave in Austria and ranks among the longest in the world, with a known length exceeding 155,000 meters and 35 entrances. You can find more information about it on Wikipedia.

What are some tips for exploring the Wildkirchli Caves?

The Wildkirchli Caves are a mystical place that you pass through on the way to Ebenalp. The hiking trail leads directly through the caves, and you'll find information on the cave walls. It's an impressive site, especially considering how it was developed in times without modern cable cars.

Is it difficult to find Kalkofenhöhle Cave?

The Kalkofenhöhle Cave can be difficult to locate if you're not familiar with the area, as there are no direct signs pointing to it from St. Arbogast. Following Kalkofenweg from St. Arbogast is generally the correct approach.

Most popular routes around Eichberg

Cycling around Eichberg

Most popular attractions around Eichberg

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

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

AltstättenOberrietDiepoldsauRüthi (SG)BalgachRebsteinWidnauAu (SG)BerneckSt. Margrethen

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Altstätten

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy