Top 12 Caves around Bad Reichenhall
Best caves around Bad Reichenhall are found nestled in the Bavarian Alps, offering access to diverse underground attractions. The region features natural caves, grottos, and historic subterranean sites. Some notable locations are directly within Germany, while others are a short distance across the Austrian border. This area provides a range of subterranean experiences for explorers.
Best caves around Bad Reichenhall
- The most popular caves is Mittagsscharte, a mountain pass that contains the "Steinerner Kaser" cave. This cave is known…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Cave on the Zauberwald Trail
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Mittagsscharte
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location
It is located between the Salzburg Hochthron (1 853 m above sea level) in the north and the Raucheck (1 …
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St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof)
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Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein
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Schellenberger Ice Cave
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Popular around Bad Reichenhall
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Tips from the Community
Fine natural grotto which served as a hermitage before 1800
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Good footwear Take enough to drink with you Sure-footedness required
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There are several small caves along the way, great fun for the children
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Very well developed hiking trails and a real highlight in terms of scenery.
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Which magical forest creature lives there?
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If you hike from Ramsau up to the Hintersee, you will pass a wild and romantic gorge, where there are several small caves between the boulders right next to the path.
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It is located between the Salzburger Hochthron (1,853 m above sea level) in the north and the Raucheck (1,891 m above sea level) in the south at an altitude of 1,671 m above sea level. A. right on the border between Austria and Germany. Crossing the Untersberg from the Berchtesgadener to the Salzburger Hochthron is one of the most beautiful tours in the Berchtesgaden Alps. The varied path leads over the extensive high plateau with its huge sinkholes - an extraordinary landscape that is second to none.
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At the southern end of the Mittagsscharte, a few meters north of the crossroads, directly below the "Steinerner Kaser" stone hut (currently leased from the State Speleology Association in Salzburg) is the entrance to the cave of the same name. The Salzburg ethnographer and historian Franz Valentin Zillner writes about this: ...(The) Mittagsscharte, from which one enters the large cave, the Steinernen Kaser, through which all legends say the entrance to the interior of the mountain is located.. .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique cave experiences can I find near Bad Reichenhall?
The region offers a diverse range of subterranean experiences. You can explore Germany's only show ice cave, the Schellenberger Ice Cave, witness historical salt mining at the Old Salt Works, or discover natural grottos like the Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein.
Are there any ice caves in the Bad Reichenhall area?
Yes, the Schellenberger Ice Cave is Germany's largest and only show ice cave. It features spectacular ice formations, some estimated to be 2000 years old. Tours are conducted with carbide lamps, enhancing the sense of exploration.
What historical underground sites can I visit near Bad Reichenhall?
The Old Salt Works in Bad Reichenhall offers an intriguing experience within historic mining tunnels, showcasing the history of salt extraction. Additionally, St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof) features catacombs carved into the mountain, likely of late antique origin, including the Gertraudenkapelle and Maximuskapelle.
Are there family-friendly caves around Bad Reichenhall?
The Old Salt Works is a great family-friendly option, offering interactive exhibits and a captivating story of salt production. The Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein is also considered family-friendly, offering a fine natural grotto experience with a small chapel built into the rock.
What should I wear when visiting caves in the Bad Reichenhall area?
Temperatures underground are consistently cool. For the Schellenberger Ice Cave, expect temperatures around 0.5 degrees Celsius, so warm clothing is essential. The Lamprechtsofen Cave maintains about 5 degrees Celsius, and the Old Salt Works is around 12 degrees Celsius. Always bring layers, even in summer.
When is the best time to visit the caves?
The Schellenberger Ice Cave is generally open from May to October. The Lamprechtsofen Cave is open daily from May to October, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from October to April. The Old Salt Works typically has year-round access, but it's always best to check their specific operating hours.
How long do cave tours typically last?
Guided tours at the Schellenberger Ice Cave last approximately 45 minutes. The guided tour of the Old Salt Works lasts one hour, followed by access to the salt museum.
Are there any caves that offer a more adventurous experience?
The Schellenberger Ice Cave requires a challenging, multi-hour hike to reach, adding to its adventurous appeal. Just across the border in Austria, the Lamprechtsofen Cave offers more specialized and deeper routes for serious cavers, often requiring special equipment, in addition to its tourist path.
What natural phenomena can I observe in the caves?
The Mittagsscharte, a mountain pass containing the "Steinerner Kaser" cave, is known for a light phenomenon observed on specific dates, particularly around 2 PM on August 15th and June 21st. The Schellenberger Ice Cave showcases spectacular ice formations, some thousands of years old.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a cave visit near Bad Reichenhall?
The region around Bad Reichenhall offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, including touring, gravel, and road cycling, such as the 'Brewery Tour' or routes along the Saalach River. For more details on routes, visit the Cycling around Bad Reichenhall guide.
Are there hiking trails to reach any of the caves?
Yes, reaching the Schellenberger Ice Cave involves a challenging, multi-hour hike through the Berchtesgaden Alps. This hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views and is part of the unique experience of visiting this ice cave.
Are there any religious or spiritual sites within the caves or grottos?
Yes, the Magdalene Grotto on Wartstein served as a hermitage before 1800 and features a small chapel built into the rock. Additionally, the Lourdes Grotto at Kirchholz, though not a natural cave, is a significant religious site with a Madonna statue, located on a pilgrimage route.
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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Bad Reichenhall:
