Caves around Hilders are situated within the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve, an area characterized by its unique basalt formations and diverse natural landscapes. The region offers opportunities to explore subterranean sites and grotto-like formations. These geological features provide insights into the area's natural history and local folklore.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Unfortunately, it's still closed. I came from the other side. There was no sign there. A small bridge has unfortunately collapsed, and the grotto is empty. The main access path (asphalt) is already covered in moss. It's a shame. Hopefully, the place will be restored soon. Otherwise, it's actually a very beautiful place.
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A beautiful piece of nature. Highly recommended.
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This beautiful grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary was created more than a hundred years ago. It is a well-kept place where you can take a break.
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A little way behind Abtsroda on the way to Fulda is this lovingly maintained Mary's Grotto.
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Transcript of the information board. The Women's Cave When the old Hildenburg Castle was devastated and set on fire, the Lord of Hildenburg and all his servants and men perished in a cruel manner. The young lady and her maids, however, fled with great treasures into a walled underground passage. The end of the passage is the women's cave in the ice ditch, which was also called Klefalls or Klefallsloch. However, the lady from Hillenberg and her ladies did not reach this exit. They all died in the underground passage. To this day they guard their treasures. Every seven years they are allowed to emerge from their underground kingdom and show themselves to people. They sit on a pile of wood or on a heap of brushwood and sing such beautiful tunes that the hearts of those who hear them tremble. Many people have already tried to get through the Klefallsloch into the underground passage and to the great treasures. But no one has managed it so far. After just a few steps you come to an iron door or plate. It is also said to be very dangerous to look for the treasure down there. The women's cave, one of the rare natural caves in the basalt. It is also protected by law as a natural monument. Its name is partly explained by the fact that women used this cave to hide from the cruelty of the Mercenaries were hiding there. Others said that the Women's Cave was the end of the underground passage that leads from Hildenburg. The legend, which has often been laughed at by "enlightened" contemporaries and dismissed with a pitying shrug, was confirmed when Hermann Happel from Mühlbach discovered a new entrance in 1965 next to the previously known eight-meter-deep cave that ended in a six-cubic-meter-large room. The cave, also called "Klefallsloch", was examined and measured by speleologists from Düsseldorf in 1972. They discovered a cave system 50 cm long and 20 m deep. The cave consists of narrow crevices, collapsed passages and two small rooms. In the lower part there is a canyon about 5 m long and 1.5 m deep. No traces of human hands were discovered. The entrance to the Women's Cave is walled up. It is strongly advised to exercise caution in the area, as deep crevices in the rocks are dangerous and there is a risk of collapse in some places. Bavarian Rhön Nature Park Association
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www.biosphaere-rhoen.de Information from panel no. 2 Eisgraben - cold wind, natural forests The water of the Aschelbach, which flows over and between the basalt blocks of the Eisgraben, comes from the Black Moor on top of the Hohe Rhön - one of the last intact raised bogs in Germany. Cold air also flows from there down the valley channel. The Eisgraben owes its name to this, because it ensures that the frost lasts here well into spring. Large areas of the Eisgraben are designated as a natural forest reserve and enjoy special protection as a core zone of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve. Leaving the moor, the Aschelbach initially meanders quietly through the landscape and finally plunges down a 4-meter-high waterfall. When it enters the forest, the stream is then called Eisgraben. It meanders between the trees and in places drops steeply by up to 10 meters on the side. Every spring, the floods of melting snow transform the narrow summer stream into a raging torrent that cuts ever deeper into the ground. An extreme storm on July 26, 1834 gave the Eisgraben its current appearance. Torrential rain caused a massive landslide that buried the town of Hausen. The catastrophe washed out brown coal in some places, which was then mined. A considerable system of tunnels was created. However, the brown coal was still quite young and therefore of poor quality, so mining was soon stopped. The women's cave is located in the lower part of the Eisgraben. At this point, the water has dug a 50-meter-long and 20-meter-deep cave into the rock. According to legend, this cave was a refuge for the women from the hamlet of Hillenberg in times of trouble. Today, the cave is no longer accessible. Also nearby are a hunter's hut and the ruins of Hildenburg.
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One of the few known caves in the Rhön
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The Hilders region, situated within the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve, offers a mix of natural basalt caves and culturally significant grottoes. You can find ancient geological sites like the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar), natural caves under conservation such as the Women's Cave (Klefallsloch), and religious grottoes like Mariengrotte Seiferts and Marian Grotto Abtsroda.
Yes, the Women's Cave (Klefallsloch), also known as Frauenhöhle, is a notable natural basalt cave with historical significance. Local legends suggest women sought refuge there during wartime. While direct access to its interior is often restricted due to safety, the surrounding area offers insights into its unique geology and folklore.
The region is known for its unique basalt formations. The Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar) is a natural highlight in the biosphere reserve core zone, characterized by these formations. The Frauenhöhle is also a rare natural basalt cave formed by ancient earth shifts. The nearby Eisgraben Nature Reserve also features basalt rock formations lining a small gorge.
Yes, the Mariengrotte Seiferts is considered a spiritual place, offering a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. Similarly, the Marian Grotto Abtsroda is a beautifully maintained grotto where visitors can pause for reflection and rest.
Access varies by site. For instance, the Women's Cave (Klefallsloch) often has restricted access to its interior due to instability and safety concerns, with the entrance secured by a gate. Other sites, like the grottoes, are generally accessible for visitors.
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and unique geological formations, especially in sites like the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar). The grottoes, such as Mariengrotte Seiferts and Marian Grotto Abtsroda, are valued for their peaceful, contemplative atmosphere and scenic views. Many also enjoy the local legends and historical context associated with these sites.
Yes, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve offers excellent hiking opportunities. The area around the Frauenhöhle, for example, provides trails to appreciate unique basalt formations. You can find various routes in the region, including those for Mountain Hikes around Hilders, which feature routes like the Pfertskopf loop and the Summit of Milseburg loop.
Yes, the Hilders area is suitable for cycling. There are several routes available, such as those listed in the Cycling around Hilders guide. Options include the Nüsttal Cycle Path and routes that incorporate the Milseburg Tunnel, offering diverse experiences for cyclists.
Yes, the region provides various running trails. The Running Trails around Hilders guide features routes like the Rhön Circular Routes Hilders – Buchschirm loop and trails near the Former Hilders Train Station, suitable for different running preferences.
The Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar) is a significant natural highlight located in the core zone of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve and the Gangolfsberg nature reserve. It is a dark cave steeped in local legends about the devil. Visitors are advised to stick to marked paths to protect nature, as mountain biking is restricted in this sensitive area.
No, while both are Marian grottoes, they are distinct. The Mariengrotte Seiferts is located near Hilders and is featured in this guide. The Mariengrotte in Bad Salzschlirf is a replica of the Lourdes Grotto, constructed in a former limestone quarry, and offers panoramic views of the spa town and surrounding hills. Both are culturally significant but are separate locations.


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