Best caves in Landkreis Rhön-Grabfeld are characterized by unique geological formations and historical sites within the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. The region features natural rock formations, including those of volcanic origin, alongside man-made grottoes and historical mines. These sites offer insights into the area's natural history and local folklore. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes that combine geological interest with cultural significance.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
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When you arrive at this place, you're immediately impressed because you didn't expect it to be like this. It's definitely worth seeing.
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A beautiful piece of nature. Highly recommended.
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Mary's Grotto, with altar niche and standing stone figure of Mary, 20th century, in front of the Gangolf Chapel
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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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Beautiful windy grotto just outside of Schönau.
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One of the few known caves in the Rhön
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Landkreis Rhön-Grabfeld offers a variety of geological formations, including natural rock formations of volcanic origin and man-made grottoes. A notable example is the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar), a natural monument formed by a massive rock detachment, showcasing the region's volcanic history. You can also find the Eisgraben Nature Reserve, which features a gorge lined with basalt rock and a wild brook.
Yes, the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar) is steeped in local folklore, with legends claiming the devil himself was involved in its creation. Additionally, the Moritz Visitor Mine (Lignite Tunnel) offers insights into the region's mining history and past working life.
The Moritz Visitor Mine (Lignite Tunnel) is considered family-friendly and provides an educational experience about the region's history. Many of the Marian Grottoes, such as the Marian Grotto at the Gangolf Chapel, are also suitable for families.
Many natural formations, like the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar), are located within nature reserves and require visitors to stay on marked hiking trails. Direct entry into the Teufelskeller itself is prohibited to protect the environment. The Moritz Visitor Mine, however, is designed for visitors and offers a more accessible experience.
You can visit the area around the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar), which is a geoscientifically valuable geotope within the Bavarian Rhön Biosphere Reserve. It's unique for its formation by a massive rock detachment and its proximity to the impressive Basalt Prism Wall. While you cannot enter the cave itself due to protection regulations, the surrounding area offers fascinating geological insights and local legends.
The region around the caves is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Gangolfsberg Nature Trail near the Teufelskeller. For more options, explore the easy hikes in Landkreis Rhön-Grabfeld. Cycling and road cycling routes are also available throughout the region; check out the Cycling in Landkreis Rhön-Grabfeld guide for more.
Yes, Landkreis Rhön-Grabfeld features several religious grottoes. The Marian Grotto at the Gangolf Chapel offers views over Fladungen and includes a large Marian grotto below. Other examples include the Marian Grotto and Mariengrotte Hausen (Rhön).
Visitors appreciate the unique geological formations, the rich local legends, and the opportunity to combine cave exploration with hiking in the beautiful Rhön Biosphere Reserve. The historical insights offered by sites like the Moritz Visitor Mine and the serene atmosphere of the Marian Grottoes are also highly valued.
While specific cave interiors may have restrictions, the surrounding hiking trails and natural areas are generally dog-friendly. For example, the trails around the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar) are part of a nature trail suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash to protect wildlife.
The natural formations and outdoor sites like the Teufelskeller (Devil’s Cellar) and Eisgraben Nature Reserve are best visited during spring, summer, and autumn when hiking conditions are favorable. Winter visits are possible, but trails might be icy or snowy, requiring appropriate gear. Indoor attractions like the Moritz Visitor Mine can be visited year-round, though checking opening hours is advisable.
While the region does not feature extensive show caves for challenging caving, natural formations like the Women's Cave (Klefallsloch) are listed with a 'challenging' difficulty level, indicating they might involve more rugged terrain or require careful navigation. Always be prepared and respect local regulations in natural reserves.


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