Top 6 Caves around Wittenbach
Best caves around Wittenbach are found within the St. Gallen region, offering a variety of subterranean experiences. The area is characterized by its natural landscapes and geological formations, including both natural rock shelters and man-made tunnels. These features contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor exploration. While prominent natural caves are not directly within Wittenbach, the surrounding areas provide accessible options for those interested in geological sites.
Best caves around Wittenbach
- The most popular caves include the Stream Tunnel, an other man-made structure that allows passage for a stream. This tunnel can be walked to navigate through the landscape behind the railroad track.
- Another must-see spot is Hohlenstein Cave (left, west), a natural monument. Visitors can explore these large caves, which are suitable for families and can be accessed with a flashlight.
- Visitors also love Hohlenstein cave and climbing crag (right/east), a cave that also features a rock climbing wall. This location offers opportunities for overnight stays within the cave.
- Wittenbach is known for natural rock shelters and man-made tunnels. The region offers a variety of caves to see and explore, from geological formations to modified passages.
- The caves around Wittenbach are appreciated by the komoot community, with 18 upvotes and 16 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Tivoli Cave
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Source and further information: stgallen24.ch/articles/281276-st-gallens-letztes-geheimnis-die-tivolihoehle
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Hohlenstein Cave (left, west)
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zihlschlacht-sitterdorf.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d52/d85/f90.cfm
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Viewing platform
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Hohlenstein cave and climbing crag (right/east)
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Stream Tunnel
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Tips from the Community
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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"Commit" seems a bit exaggerated, and what are you supposed to do in the wilderness beyond?
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Current 2023 https://www.zihlschlacht-sitterdorf.ch/freizeit-kultur/freizeit/hoehlen-hohlenstein.html/147
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The caves are exciting and, according to the reservation slip, are often rented for overnight stays. In front of the caves or the impressive Nagelfluhwand, a very cool but sometimes challenging path leads through. Certainly not suitable for everyone under 80 because it also includes a very short climbing section.
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Going down the path to the caves and climbing spots is really rewarding. Somewhat exposed but accessible to anyone under the age of 80, provided they are sure-footed.
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A magnificent lookout with incredible distant views. Families can also stop for a roll and picnic here
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore around Wittenbach?
The area around Wittenbach features a mix of natural rock shelters and man-made tunnels. You can find geological formations, such as the large natural caves at Hohlenstein Cave (left, west), and modified passages like the Stream Tunnel, which allows passage for a stream behind a railroad track.
Are there any family-friendly caves near Wittenbach?
Yes, the Hohlenstein Cave (left, west) is suitable for families. Visitors recommend bringing a flashlight to explore these large caves. Additionally, the Tivoli Cave in St. Gallen is described as a place worth seeing, especially for little adventurers.
What are some notable natural caves in the broader St. Gallen region?
While Wittenbach itself has more local rock shelters and tunnels, the broader St. Gallen region is home to the unique **Kobelwald Crystal Cave** (Kristallhöhle Kobelwald). This cave is known for its significant crystal deposits, primarily calcite, and offers guided tours to explore its fascinating atmosphere with sparkling crystals and rushing water.
Can I find any caves with historical significance?
The Tivoli Cave in St. Gallen is believed to have been a man-made water reservoir, with clear tool marks found in the rock. It features a shaft where buckets were historically lowered to fetch water, offering a glimpse into its past use.
Are there opportunities for rock climbing near the caves?
Yes, the Hohlenstein cave and climbing crag (right/east) offers a rock climbing wall in addition to the cave itself. The area around the Hohlenstein caves is known for climbing spots.
What kind of geological features can I expect to see in the caves?
The caves around Wittenbach, particularly the Hohlenstein caves, are natural rock formations. In the wider region, the Kobelwald Crystal Cave is geologically significant for its calcite crystal deposits formed by hydrothermal convection, offering a unique display of sparkling crystals and dripstones.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Wittenbach?
Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore large natural caves like those at Hohlenstein, often noting them as great for children when equipped with a flashlight. The Tivoli Cave is also highlighted for its adventurous feel. The komoot community has shared 16 photos and given 18 upvotes for the caves in the region.
Are there any viewpoints near the caves?
Yes, there is a Viewing platform directly on the Hohlenstein cliff, in the Felsenholz forest. It offers a beautiful panorama of the mountains and is located above the two Hohlenstein caves, making it an ideal spot to take a break.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the caves?
The Wittenbach region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore nearby routes for gravel biking, road cycling, or mountain biking. For example, there are numerous gravel biking routes, road cycling routes, and MTB trails around Wittenbach that can be combined with a cave visit.
Can I stay overnight in any of the caves?
The Hohlenstein cave and climbing crag (right/east) offers the possibility for overnight stays. Visitors suggest bringing your own mattress for comfort.
What should I wear or bring when visiting the caves?
When exploring caves like the Hohlenstein, it's recommended to bring a flashlight or headlamp, as some areas can be quite dark. For the Tivoli Cave, a headlamp is also advised if you plan to go all the way in. Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain are also a good idea.
Are there any other significant caves in Switzerland worth knowing about, even if further away?
Beyond the immediate region, Switzerland boasts several impressive caves. These include the Höllgrotten Caves near Zug with their unique stone formations, the St. Beatus Caves by Lake Thun known for underground gorges and waterfalls, and the extensive Hölloch cave system in Schwyz. The Kaltbach Cave in Lucerne is also notable for aging cheese.
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