Caves around Gossau are primarily found in the broader St. Gallen region, offering various subterranean experiences. While Gossau itself does not feature extensive cave systems, the surrounding area provides access to notable geological formations. These include natural caves and man-made grottoes, often integrated into hiking routes. The landscape around Gossau is characterized by its natural features, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
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The Tivoli Cave in the city of St. Gallen is a small cave in the middle of a beautiful forest. The best way to get there is to take the bus to the "Hagenbuch" stop. Or take the wonderful panoramic path and then descend the Tivoli stairs. Please respect the privacy of the private property there! Continue directly to the right along the small path and DO NOT go left/straight across the small bridge. If you go all the way in (bring a headlamp), you won't get very far. It's almost a bit spooky there. If you look up, you'll see a shaft about 13 meters long that leads straight to the very top. This is where buckets used to be lowered to fetch water. The hole at the top was eventually sealed and covered with earth and no longer exists. Therefore, there was no escape route for the nuns. There used to be a rickety and very rotten wooden ladder here. This has since been removed for safety reasons. It is a man-made cave; clear marks made by tools have been discovered in the rock. The cave is about 17 meters long and between 6 and 7 meters wide. Source: thisismysaintgallen.com/tivolihoehle/
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The Tivoli Cave was probably a man-made water reservoir. Source and further information: https://stgallen24.ch/articles/281276-st-gallens-letztes-geheimnis-die-tivolihoehle
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A place worth seeing in St. Gallen, especially for little adventurers.
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The caves are exciting and, according to the reservation slip, are often rented for overnight stays. In front of the caves or the impressive Nagelfluhwand, a very cool but sometimes challenging path leads through. Certainly not suitable for everyone under 80 because it also includes a very short climbing section.
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A contemplative place to stay for a while
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It's simply beautiful here: the large semi-cave, the small waterfall with a pool above it, a small barbecue area with a view of this enchanting backdrop ... I wouldn't have been surprised if Tarzan had swung himself up on a liana.
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Going down the path to the caves and climbing spots is really rewarding. Somewhat exposed but accessible to anyone under the age of 80, provided they are sure-footed.
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Very worthwhile ravine with a well-developed path and impressive "Hohlen Stein". Steep places are equipped with stairs.
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The region around Gossau offers a mix of natural caves, man-made grottoes, and historical cave sites. You can find impressive natural rock formations as well as artificially created caves with unique features.
Yes, the Hohlenstein Cave (left, west) is a natural monument that is accessible to sure-footed visitors and suitable for families. Its huge chambers make for an exciting exploration.
The Bruderloch Cave is an artificially created cave featuring three rooms leading off from a main corridor, with a spring located at the back. Visitors find the approach to the cave itself quite impressive.
Absolutely. The Marian Grotto at Schloss Spiegelberg is a notable historical and religious site. It serves as a contemplative place for devotion, replicating the pilgrimage site in Lourdes.
The Tivoli Cave in St. Gallen is a small, man-made cave, likely a former water reservoir. It's about 17 meters long and 6-7 meters wide. You can reach it by taking the bus to the "Hagenbuch" stop or by following the panoramic path and descending the Tivoli stairs. A headlamp is recommended for exploration.
Yes, the Hohlen Stein Gorge offers a wildly romantic ravine with a large semi-cave, a waterfall, and a pond. It features steep steps and a beautiful path along the Sonnental village stream, complete with a BBQ area.
The region around Gossau is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like the Schwänberg Bridge – Wissbach Gorge Trail or the Helfenberg Castle Ruins loop. There are also extensive options for cycling and gravel biking.
Caves generally maintain a constant temperature, making them a good destination year-round. For example, the Höllgrotten Baar, a significant regional cave, maintains around 10° Celsius, making it a refreshing visit in warmer months and a sheltered option during adverse weather. Always dress appropriately for cooler, damp conditions inside.
While Gossau itself doesn't have extensive cave systems, the broader region offers the well-known Höllgrotten Baar. These dripstone caves near Baar (Canton of Zug) are renowned for their impressive formations, miniature lakes, and diverse stalactites and stalagmites, enhanced by modern LED lighting. It's an accessible and enchanting subterranean world.
Given the constant cool and often damp conditions inside caves, it's advisable to wear warm clothing, even in summer. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are also recommended, especially for natural caves or those with uneven paths.
The Tivoli Cave, while not extensive, offers a unique exploration experience, especially if you bring a headlamp to venture deeper into its 17-meter length. The Hohlenstein Cave (left, west) also requires sure-footedness for access.
You can observe various geological formations, from natural rock structures in caves like Hohlenstein Cave to the semi-cave and waterfall in the Hohlen Stein Gorge. If you venture to the Höllgrotten Baar, you'll find impressive dripstone formations like stalactites and stalagmites, miniature lakes, and unique rock art.


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