Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Top 19 Caves in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Caves in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald offer a diverse range of underground experiences within the Black Forest region. This area is characterized by its karst features, historical mining sites, and natural geological formations. Visitors can explore ancient dripstone caves and extensive mine systems that reveal centuries of regional history. The landscape provides opportunities to discover both natural wonders and human-made subterranean structures.
Best caves in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
- The most popular caves is Nantelesloch Cave, a natural monument that is noted for its super yellow lichens in midday light. Access to the cave is not difficult, but the narrow path and steep slope require attention.
- Another must-see spot is Tannegger Waterfall, a waterfall and cave formation. This 15-meter deep waterfall cascades over mossy limestone walls, which are still growing and are part of the Wutachschlucht.
- Visitors also love Teufelsgrund Show Mine, a historical site and cave. This mine offers insights into over 1,000 years of mining history, including silver, lead, and fluorspar extraction.
- Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald is known for natural caves, historical mining tunnels, and unique geological formations. The region offers a variety of subterranean sites to explore, from dripstone caves to ancient mining operations.
- The caves in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald are appreciated by the komoot community. Users have contributed 590 photos and 884 upvotes across 19 highlights, showcasing the appeal of these underground locations.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
Tannegger Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Alte-Mann-Felsen (Old Man's Rocks)
Highlight • Natural Monument
The rich ore deposits in the region are based on the collapse of the Upper Rhine Trench, which took place in the Tertiary between the Black Forest and the Vosges. The quartz reef created at the fracture stages of the strongest movement, the so-called "main fault", extends with its split cavities and veins as a hard rock rib in the terrain from Sulzburg via Badenweiler to Schloss Bürgeln.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
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
Stone Age caves on the Ölberg
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Zastler Ice Holes
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Löss Cave Tunnel
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Teufelsgrund Show Mine
Highlight • Historical Site
If you feel hungry from all the tales of the miners' busy lives - or even your bike tour - you can strengthen yourself at the Bergwerkstüble next door. The "bacon board" there is phenomenal!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Eselsbrunnen (wheel chamber)
Highlight • Historical Site
The biggest "enemy" of the miners in the mine is the water penetrating through cracks. It was mostly through a tunnel at the height of the valley bottom (Erbstollen) derived in the valley. Where this was not possible or the mine lay deeper, pumps were used in the mine for drainage. These were powered by pedal or water wheels and conveyed the water from the depth to the surface.
Such a water hoist was in Ehrenstetter reason in a rock chamber, which is popularly called donkey fountain. In this 40 m² large and 11 m high so-called Radstube an approximately 8 m large water wheel was installed, with the help of which, the water was pumped out of the underlying - now buried - shaft. The wheel was driven by water, which was passed through a slope channel from the upstream uphill Ahbach on the water wheel. The water needed to drive the bike as well as the water pumped from the mountain were diverted through a small tunnel from the Radstube to the Ahbach.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Loess cellar
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Polar Bear Cave
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Nantelesloch Cave
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more caves in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Nature, mountains and freedom – gravel and cycle Tours in the Black Forest
Rheinauenweg hiking path – Jungle tour for water rats
Albsteig Schwarzwald – Hike along the River Alb through the Black Forest in Germany
Germany's Kandelhöhenweg — More westerly than the Westweg
The Freiburg–Lake Constance Black Forest Trail — To the Swabian Sea
The Black Forest Crossing – From north to south in eight days
Westweg – Deep forests and bright heights through the Black Forest
The Rhine Cycle Path — From the source to the North Sea
Germany’s largest canyon – hiking in the Wutach Gorge
Hiking, ponds & waterfalls – superb Black Forest swimming spots
Other adventures in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Tips from the Community
You can walk upright into the Loss Cave. It's a wonderful experience.
0
0
Great, varied circular route on winding paths through the forest, with caves, amazing views of the Markgräfler Land, the Vosges, the Black Forest. Stroll through the sea of vines. Climb the Mount of Olives. Relax on various beautiful benches. All this on a manageable route. Definitely recommended if you are ever in the area.
1
1
The Teufelsgrund Münstertal visitor mine is the first visitor mine in the Black Forest. With a helmet on your head, you hike a few hundred meters through the cold, wet tunnels. Absolutely worth seeing.
0
0
It is a large cave or chamber in the loess in a loess hollow way. These hollow ways in the thick loess layers in the Kaiserstuhl were created by constant use as a path (especially with heavy carts). The resulting depressions were made worse by erosion in wind and weather (especially rain). In many places, holes were dug into the loess walls for various purposes (storage of material, "cooling chamber"). Loess is a calcareous, silty sediment, i.e. rock powder with lime components. The lime structure gives loess a high level of stability. This means that stable caves can easily be dug into them. Here, two such holes are connected by a tunnel that can also be easily walked through.
2
0
The Lössholweg trail is worth a hike. What is particularly special is that there is a cave or tunnel in the seemingly loose loess.
0
1
Exciting and interesting at the same time, great nature
0
2
Well, did polar bears live in this cave?
1
3
Tunnel with two entrances to the path. The building is open and accessible. There is no indication of the purpose.
1
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable caves and underground experiences in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald?
The region offers a mix of natural caves and historical mining sites. Key attractions include the Nantelesloch Cave, known for its unique lichens, and the Teufelsgrund Show Mine, which delves into over a millennium of mining history. The Erdmannshöhle in Hasel is also a significant natural dripstone cave, home to Germany's largest stalactite.
Are there any family-friendly caves to visit in the region?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Stone Age caves on the Ölberg are an exciting exploration for children, offering narrow paths and panoramic views. The Teufelsgrund Show Mine also caters to families with special events like children's birthday parties and treasure hunts.
What kind of historical insights can I gain from visiting the caves?
The region's caves and mines offer a deep dive into history. The Teufelsgrund Show Mine showcases over 1,000 years of silver, lead, and fluorspar extraction. The Museums-Bergwerk Schauinsland provides an immersive journey into 800 years of mining, highlighting techniques that contributed to Freiburg's wealth. The Alte-Mann-Felsen also reveals traces of Celtic and Roman mining for lead, silver, iron ore, and barite.
What unique geological features can be found in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald's caves?
The Erdmannshöhle in Hasel is famous for its impressive dripstone formations, including Germany's largest and oldest stalactite, estimated at 135,000 years old. The Tannegger Waterfall features a cave formation where water cascades over mossy, still-growing limestone walls. The region also has karst features like dry valleys and dolines.
Are there any adventurous caving experiences available?
The Museums-Bergwerk Schauinsland offers adventurous guided tours, some involving ladders and electric miner's lamps for deeper exploration into its extensive 100 km mine system. These longer tours require sturdy footwear and warm clothing.
What are the accessibility considerations for caves in the region?
The Nantelesloch Cave, while not difficult to access, has a narrow path and steep slope, which might be challenging for those with a fear of heights. The Erdmannshöhle in Hasel has a 360-meter section accessible to visitors, operating with unguided tours since 2022.
Can I combine a cave visit with other outdoor activities?
Absolutely. The Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald region is excellent for outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like the Feldberg gnome trail. For cyclists, there are many cycling routes, such as the Schluchsee loop. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore MTB trails like the Hochschwarzwälder Vier-Seen-Tour.
Are there any caves known for their healing properties?
Yes, the Teufelsgrund Show Mine is also recognized for its climatic importance and is used as a healing cave for allergies, joining a list of such sites in Baden-Württemberg.
What are the Zastler Ice Holes?
The Zastler Ice Holes are a natural monument in the region, featuring unique cave formations and other natural elements, offering an interesting stop for explorers.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the caves in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences, from the impressive natural formations of dripstone caves to the rich historical insights offered by the mining sites. The opportunity to explore with children, the unique colors of lichens in caves like Nantelesloch, and the blend of natural beauty with regional folklore are frequently highlighted.
Are there any caves that are less known but still worth visiting?
Beyond the main attractions, the region also features sites like the Löss Cave Tunnel, Loess cellar, and Polar Bear Cave, which offer interesting natural formations for those looking for less crowded explorations.
Is there a cave that hosts cultural events?
The Erdmannshöhle in Hasel occasionally hosts concerts, providing a unique acoustic experience within its natural dripstone chambers.
Most popular routes in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Most popular attractions in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Discover more caves in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald region by region:
