Top 5 Caves around Tharandter Wald
Best caves around Tharandter Wald include a variety of subterranean sites, ranging from artificial caves to historical mining adits. The region is characterized by its scenic forests and a history of mining, particularly for silver. While extensive natural cave systems are not prevalent, the area offers notable geological features and historical sites. These locations provide insights into the local geology and past human activities.
Best caves around Tharandter Wald
- The most popular caves is Jungfernloch Cave, an artificial cave with an adjacent pond created after 1990. It is located above the biotope ponds on the Triebisch.
- Another must-see spot is Thieves' Chamber at the Geographic Center of Saxony, a historical cave site. This rock once contained a cave, filled in during the 19th century, associated with local legends.
- Visitors also love Vergnügte-Gesellschaft-Stollen (18th Century Mining Tunnel), an 18th-century mining tunnel. It was set on silver ore but did not yield significant findings, reflecting the region's mining history.
- Tharandter Wald is known for artificial caves, historical mining adits, and natural rock formations. These sites offer insights into the area's geology and past mining activities.
- The caves around Tharandter Wald are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 640 upvotes and 134 photos shared.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Jungfernloch Cave
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Thieves' Chamber at the Geographic Center of Saxony
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The robbers Lips Tullian and Johannes Karasek.
In this rock...
...there was a cave that was filled in during the 19th century.
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Reicher Matthias Erbstollen
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Vergnügte-Gesellschaft-Stollen (18th Century Mining Tunnel)
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Weisser Hirsch Erbstollen in Herrndorf
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According to legend, the shallow cave in the rock (quartz-armed porphyry or rhyolite) was once much larger, and three fairies lived there. On a full moon night, a minstrel who had previously played at the fair in Hintergersdorf (spa town of Hartha) passed by. The three fairies had laid out laundry on the meadow to bleach. The musician picked up a lace cloth and took it with him. However, when he got home, instead of the cloth, he held a gray cobweb in his hand. Before sunrise, he returned the cobweb to its place, where it became a lace cloth again, just as the other laundry disappeared with the first rays of sunlight. Since then, the fairies have not been seen again, and the cave has become a shallow hole.
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But where no finds were made, they serve only as accommodation for wild animals.
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Thieves' Chamber at the geographical center of Saxony, Tharandt Forest. Info: The robbers Lips Tullian and Johannes Karasek. In this rock... ...there was a cave that was filled in during the 19th century.
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You can find out more about mining here very close to the cycle route!
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The Reiche Matthias Erbstollen is a former silver tunnel near Mohorn-Grund. Mining played an important role in the Tharandt Forest for a long time. According to records, the first mining in the Tharandt Forest began as early as 1330. Silver mining was carried out in particular near Mohorn-Grund and Edle Krone. The Reiche Matthias Erbstollen was a silver tunnel. In 2005, the mouth of the Erbstollen was rebuilt. From here, an approximately 400 m long tunnel was driven, which served to drain the many shafts. The mouth is easily accessible via the path turning left from the first Triebisch bridge in the village. "Saint Barbara", a man-sized oak figure, adorns and protects the entrance. An information board provides information about historical mining in Mohorn-Grund. https://www.erzgebirge-tourismus.de/
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Geological exploration and legend station If you hike along the Triebisch through the Tharandter Forest, you will come across not only the small ponds but also a cave on a slope above the Jungfernteich. This was probably created by human hands. The cave consists of low-quartz porphyry. It is located above the biotope ponds on the Triebisch (Triebisch Lakes). https://www.erzgebirge-tourismus.de/
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is located at the geographic center of Saxony
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There is a beautiful wooden sculpture at the entrance to the tunnel and you can rest on the bench in the afternoon sun even in autumn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of subterranean sites can I expect to find in the Tharandter Wald region?
The Tharandter Wald region features a mix of artificial caves, historical mining adits, and unique rock formations. While extensive natural cave systems are not prevalent, these sites offer insights into the area's geology and past human activities, particularly its rich mining history.
Are there any natural caves in the Tharandter Wald, or are they mostly man-made?
The subterranean sites in Tharandter Wald are predominantly man-made, including artificial caves like Jungfernloch Cave and numerous historical mining tunnels. While the region is known for its geological features, large natural cave systems are not typical here.
What is the historical significance of the subterranean sites in Tharandter Wald?
Many sites, such as the Vergnügte-Gesellschaft-Stollen and Reicher Matthias Erbstollen, are remnants of the region's extensive silver mining history, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Others, like the Thieves' Chamber, are steeped in local legends and historical lore.
Can I learn about the region's mining past when visiting these sites?
Yes, sites like the Reicher Matthias Erbstollen are part of a mining educational trail, offering information about the historical silver mining that played a significant role in the Tharandter Wald. You can see reconstructed tunnel mouths and information boards.
Are there family-friendly 'caves' or sites suitable for children in Tharandter Wald?
The Reicher Matthias Erbstollen is considered family-friendly, offering an accessible glimpse into mining history. The Jungfernloch Cave, with its adjacent pond, also provides a pleasant spot for families to explore.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to these sites?
The Tharandter Wald is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can combine your visit with hiking, mountain biking, or gravel biking. For example, there are numerous running trails, MTB trails, and gravel biking routes that pass by or near these subterranean features.
Tell me more about the Jungfernloch Cave.
The Jungfernloch Cave is an artificial cave made of low-quartz porphyry, located above the biotope ponds on the Triebisch. It's known for its peaceful setting and is often combined with a visit to the adjacent pond, which was created after 1990.
What is the Thieves' Chamber at the Geographic Center of Saxony?
The Thieves' Chamber is a historical site located at the geographic center of Saxony within the Tharandter Wald. This rock once contained a cave associated with local legends of robbers like Lips Tullian and Johannes Karasek, though the cave itself was filled in during the 19th century.
Are there any specific hiking trails that include these caves?
Yes, many hiking trails in the Tharandter Wald incorporate these sites. For instance, the running trails guide includes a route like 'Lake Triebisch – Jungfernloch Cave loop from Grund', allowing you to visit the Jungfernloch Cave as part of a longer walk.
What is the best time to visit the caves and subterranean sites in Tharandter Wald?
The Tharandter Wald region is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the surrounding forests. Summer is ideal for combining visits with other outdoor activities, while winter can provide a unique, tranquil experience, though some paths might be icy.
Is the Diebeshöhle (Robber's Cave) located within the Tharandter Wald?
The Diebeshöhle (Robber's Cave) is a significant subterranean feature often associated with the broader region but is specifically located on the Quirl mountain in Saxon Switzerland, which is nearby but not directly within the Tharandter Wald. It's known for its impressive size and historical legends.
What are the 'Erbstollen' sites mentioned, like Reicher Matthias and Weisser Hirsch?
The 'Erbstollen' sites, such as Reicher Matthias Erbstollen and Weisser Hirsch Erbstollen, are historical mining tunnels from the 18th and 19th centuries. They represent the region's past silver mining activities, serving purposes like drainage for shafts or prospecting for ore.
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