Top 5 Caves around Schmidgaden
Best caves around Schmidgaden are primarily historical rock cellars and grottoes, reflecting the region's cultural and geological history. Schmidgaden is located in the Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz) region of Bavaria, an area known for its diverse natural features and historical sites. The landscape around Schmidgaden features formations that have been utilized by humans for centuries. These sites offer insights into past uses, from storage to religious devotion.
Best caves around Schmidgaden
- The most popular caves is Old Rock Cellar on the Pfreimd, a historical site that was formerly used for storage of beets, potatoes, or beer. This rock cellar has been re-edged on the outside.
- Another must-see spot is Historical Rock Cellars of Schwandorf, a series of historical and family-friendly man-made monuments. Over 130 cellars were carved into Dogger sandstone, with around 60 accessible through guided tours today.
- Visitors also love Lourdes Grotto and Brünnl in the St. Laurentius Chapel in Schwarzach, a religious building and historical site. This grotto, built in 1894, is located in the basement of the St. Laurentius Chapel and is part of a pilgrimage route.
- Schmidgaden is known for its historical rock cellars, beer cellars, and religious grottoes. These sites offer a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient storage facilities to visiting places of historical pilgrimage.
- The caves around Schmidgaden are appreciated by the komoot community, with 29 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Old Rock Cellar on the Pfreimd
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Historical Rock Cellars of Schwandorf
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Lourdes Grotto and Brünnl in the St. Laurentius Chapel in Schwarzach
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The Brünnl Grotto is located in the basement. On the side wall there is a votive painting on a semicircular wooden board depicting the church and chapel from the 18th century. Over a small climb, the Brünnlsteig, you reach the chapel with the grotto, which is well worth seeing.
Unfortunately, I think the Brünnl with the healing water has dried up.
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Historic Beer Cellars (Felsenkeller)
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Tips from the Community
Now very tidy, with no rubbish and a renovated gate. Thanks to the owner for the renovation.
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In the basement of the St. Laurentius Chapel next to the Church of St. Ulrich in Schwarzach is the so-called "Brünnl" with a Lourdes grotto. This was built in 1894. The pilgrimage dates back to 1726. The blind Georg Rottmayr from Schwarzach regained his sight that year when he washed his eyes with the well water and then prayed and worshipped in the church. The Church of St. Ulrich already contained the miraculous image of the Holy Mother of God, which now stands on the main altar. This gave rise to the pilgrimage, which flourished from 1728 onwards. From 1791 onwards the well was expanded and converted into a Lourdes grotto and consecrated in 1794. After secularization in 1803, the pilgrimage became quieter and with the erection of the Iron Curtain during the two world wars it slowly died down. Today, August 15th and the Sunday after October 7th are still pilgrimage days. Schwarzach is located on the Bohemian-Bavarian Brünnl pilgrimage route, which also includes the pilgrimage site "Dobrá Voda" near Pocinovice, the twin town of Schwarzach b. Nabburg. Text from the website of the municipality of Schwarzach: https://www.schwarzach-bei-nabburg.de/freizeit-kultur-tourismus/kultur-tourismus/sehenswuerdigkeiten/st-ulrich-kirche-schwarzach-b-nabburg
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The chapel of St. Laurentius is located east of the St. Ulrich church in Schwarzach near Nabburg. The Brünnl Grotto is located in the basement. On the side wall there is a votive painting on a semicircular wooden board depicting the church and chapel from the 18th century. Over a small climb, the Brünnlsteig, you reach the chapel with the grotto, which is well worth seeing. Unfortunately, I think the Brünnl with the healing water has dried up.
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Exciting tours through the underworld.
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The old rock cellar on the Pfreimd has been renovated at the entrance in recent years, but unfortunately not locked. Would be a good hiding place for bats.
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It is assumed that the tunnel construction started in 1380, there may be a connection with the Upper Palatinate ore mining. So far, over 130 cellars have been found, which were carved into the Dogger sandstone. In the 16th century, the cellars were used for beer production and as a storage cellar. Today around 60 cellars of the facility are made accessible through guided tours. Also with acting interludes. Culture in the rock cellar.
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These cellars were first mentioned around 1700, they are probably older. These 36 basements were used for beer storage.
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I visited him in the summer, is a garbage bin inside and is misused by other "things". There is a door on it and locked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore around Schmidgaden?
Around Schmidgaden, you'll find a mix of historical rock cellars, beer cellars, and religious grottoes. These sites offer insights into the region's cultural and geological history, from ancient storage facilities to places of pilgrimage.
Are there historical caves or sites near Schmidgaden?
Yes, the area is rich in historical sites. A notable example is the Historical Rock Cellars of Schwandorf, where over 130 cellars were carved into Dogger sandstone, with about 60 accessible for guided tours today. Another is the Old Rock Cellar on the Pfreimd, historically used for storing beets, potatoes, or beer.
Can I visit a religious grotto in the area?
Yes, you can visit the Lourdes Grotto and Brünnl in the St. Laurentius Chapel in Schwarzach. This grotto, built in 1894, is located in the basement of the chapel and is part of a historical pilgrimage route, with its origins dating back to 1726.
Are there any natural dripstone caves in the broader Upper Palatinate region?
While Schmidgaden itself features mostly man-made or historical cave structures, the broader Upper Palatinate region is home to impressive natural caves. The König-Otto-Tropfsteinhöhle (King Otto Dripstone Cave) near Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz is celebrated as one of Germany's most beautiful dripstone caves, featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
What is the Teufelshöhle (Devil's Cave) near Pottenstein known for?
The Teufelshöhle near Pottenstein, located in Franconian Switzerland, is the largest of approximately a thousand caves in its area. It's known for its extensive corridors, large halls, and impressive stalactite formations. Guided tours are available, often with audio guides in English.
What makes the Schulerloch Karst Cave unique?
The Schulerloch Karst Cave in the Altmühl Valley Nature Park is unique for its rich stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as its historical significance. It was once inhabited by Neanderthals and provided shelter for Ice Age animals, with finds displayed in nearby exhibitions. The cave is flat, easily passable, and features electric lighting, plus an extraordinary 'cup-shaped stalagmite' water basin. It also hosts concerts due to its excellent acoustics.
Are there family-friendly cave experiences around Schmidgaden?
Yes, the Historical Rock Cellars of Schwandorf are considered family-friendly, offering guided tours that can include acting interludes, making history engaging for all ages. The Schulerloch Karst Cave, with its easy accessibility and historical exhibits, is also suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the caves near Schmidgaden?
The region around Schmidgaden offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous MTB Trails, enjoy Road Cycling Routes, or try Gravel Biking. There are routes for all difficulty levels, from easy loops to more challenging trails, allowing you to experience the diverse landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Schmidgaden?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and unique atmosphere of the caves. For instance, the Historical Rock Cellars of Schwandorf are praised for their exciting tours through the underworld and cultural events. The Old Rock Cellar on the Pfreimd is noted for its historical use for storage.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves in the Upper Palatinate region?
Many of the developed caves, especially natural dripstone caves like König-Otto-Tropfsteinhöhle or Teufelshöhle, maintain a constant cool temperature year-round, making them suitable for visits in any season. However, for the historical rock cellars and grottoes around Schmidgaden, visiting during spring, summer, or early autumn allows for more comfortable exploration of the surrounding areas and easier access to guided tours, which might have seasonal schedules.
Do I need a permit or guided tour to visit the caves around Schmidgaden?
For many of the significant cave systems, such as the Historical Rock Cellars of Schwandorf, guided tours are required to access the accessible sections. Natural caves like Teufelshöhle also operate with guided tours. For smaller, less developed sites like the Old Rock Cellar on the Pfreimd, access might be more open, but it's always advisable to check local information or official websites for specific access requirements and opening hours.
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