Caves around Oybin offer a diverse range of geological and historical sites within the Zittau Mountains. This region features unique sandstone formations and man-made underground structures. Visitors can explore natural rock shelters, historic mines, and rock-hewn rooms carved into the landscape. The area provides opportunities to observe geological history and medieval architecture integrated with natural features.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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Great rock formation; With due attention, you can climb well and conquer the rocks and surroundings.
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Looking up, we already see the Gratzer rocks, in this section the trees around us have died. We look back, far into the distance. We reach the rock formation, we are now standing between the freestanding sandstone rocks, with boulders in between, as if someone had dropped them here. If we don't deny ourselves a little climb on them, we feel like we are in an adventure land. The rock formation is permeated with small caves everywhere. A fantastic landscape, we walk between the rocks, through the autumnal forest surrounded by moss and ferns, the sandstone now sounds dull, almost hollow under our feet. https://youtu.be/N2GgTh6HEzQ
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The White Stone marks a regional geological feature. Here, a rock formation consisting of a quartz vein emerges, striking for its atypical white color. This formation is also known as the Karasek Cave, named after the robber captain Johannes Karasek. This is said to have been the meeting place of the gang before and after several raids. While the robber captain actually existed, legend has it that his treasure, which has not yet been found, is hidden at this location. The story of the robber captain and information on the geology can be found in the Karasek Museum in Seifhennersdorf. Coming from Großschönau, it's worth taking a detour about 300 meters from the road and then continuing on to the Karasek Museum.
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The White Stone is a rock formation up to six meters high in the Hofebusch forest near Spitzkunnersdorf in Upper Lusatia. Erosion also created the so-called Karasek Cave in this rock.
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point for the hiking pin Oberlausitzer Bergweg
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HOLLOW STONE A unique geological monument consisting of small, fine sandstone columns, the so-called "fans". This geological structure seems rather unusual, because the much more famous Panska-skála (Manor House Rock) near Kamenický Senov (Steinschönau) is made of basalt. In the southern part of the village, narrow steps have been carved out, leading to the highest platform on the summit. On top of this there is a rock bench called Karolinin odpocinek (Karolinenruh), which was carved in 1913-1914 by members of the mining association for the northernmost Czech Republic. On this staircase, a relief of the head of the poet Theodor Körner (1791-1813) was carved into the sandstone by two amateur artists from Zwickau. In his short life, Körner wrote a single collection called Lyra a mec (The Lyre and the Sword), and these are the very motifs that can be seen on the wreath that surrounds the bust of the poet. He was killed in the Napoleonic Wars at the age of 22. In the nearby town of Zittau, you can still find some memorabilia of the romantic. In 1913, the top platform of the natural monument was converted into a viewing platform and decorated with a viewing rosette and a sundial (now destroyed). Near the lookout there is an excavated cave called Sustrova díra (Shoemaker's Hole). The name comes from one of the builders of a nearby and now closed railway line. Thanks to the rock relief, the hollow stone was added to the national list of cultural monuments. It offers a wonderful view of the hills Ortel. (Judgment Hill), Klic (Key) and Zelený vrch (Green Hill) with a renewed view, the so-called "Svýcárna" (Swiss House) above the village of Drnovec.
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The Dutý kámen (Hohlstein, 379 m) is an approximately 600 m long forest-covered ridge that projects about 0.5 km from Drnovec (Kleingrün) on the road from Cvikov (Zwickau i. B.) to Kunratice (Kunnersdorf) in a southerly direction . Very nice views.
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The cave has been known to locals for several centuries as the ice hole. Around 1870, the Zwickau mining association built the first access route to the cave and began marketing it for tourism. The descent to the cave floor, 6 meters below, was initially done via a carved tree trunk; later a ladder was installed. Around 1900 the entrance to the cave was barred, and for a fee you could get the key from a nearby mill. On busy weekends, a kiosk at the entrance sold refreshments. After 1945, the cave was freely accessible and was often damaged by ice formations breaking off and campfires. In 1966 the cave was declared a protected natural monument because of its unusual character, but it was not until 1988 that the cave entrance was closed again and the destruction stopped. Until 1995, access to the cave was permitted after approval by the administration of the Lusatian Mountains landscape protection area; since then, viewing has no longer been permitted due to the risk of collapse.
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The Oybin region, nestled in the Zittau Mountains, features a unique blend of natural rock formations and man-made rock-hewn structures rather than traditional deep cave systems. You'll discover impressive sandstone formations like Muschelsaal and Kelchstein, along with historic sites such as the Schwarzes Loch Show Mine and the intriguing rock-hewn rooms within Oybin Castle and Monastery.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore the Schwarzes Loch Show Mine, a former quarry now a museum offering guided tours into the region's mining past. Additionally, within the historic Oybin Castle and Monastery, there are fascinating barrel-vaulted rooms and a 'treasury' carved directly into the sandstone massif, providing a glimpse into medieval architecture and history.
Beyond the highlights, the Zittau Mountains boast remarkable natural rock formations. The Muschelsaal (Mussel Hall) is known for its unique patterns resembling mussel shells, formed by iron mineralization. Another iconic formation is the Kelchstein (Chalice Rock), a mushroom-shaped sandstone pillar popular with climbers and hikers alike for its distinctive appearance.
Yes, the Karasek Cave is steeped in local legend. It's said that the robber captain Johannes Karasek met with his gang here in the late 18th century, and folklore suggests he may have hidden treasure within its cracks and cavities. This natural monument, made of bright quartzite, offers a fascinating blend of geology and history.
The geology around Oybin is dominated by Cretaceous sandstone, which has been sculpted by erosion into unique formations. You can observe features like the iron mineralization patterns at Muschelsaal, the varying hardness of sandstone layers that shaped the Kelchstein, and the rock erosion that created blocks and shaft-like cavities at sites like Karasek Cave.
Many of the natural rock formations and historical sites are accessible via hiking trails suitable for families. Exploring the rock-hewn rooms at Oybin Castle and Monastery can be an engaging historical adventure, and the scenic trails around formations like Muschelsaal offer enjoyable walks for all ages. Always check specific trail difficulties for younger children.
Generally, dogs are welcome on most hiking trails in the Zittau Mountains. However, specific access rules may apply to certain indoor attractions or protected natural monuments. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and check local signage, especially when visiting popular sites like the Oybin Castle complex or specific rock formations.
The Zittau Mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy various easy hikes, explore mountain trails, or even go cycling. Climbing is also popular, especially at formations like the Kelchstein. Many trails lead past the natural monuments and offer stunning viewpoints.
The spring, summer, and autumn months generally offer the best conditions for exploring the outdoor rock formations and hiking trails around Oybin. The weather is milder, and the natural scenery is vibrant. While some sites are accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on higher trails. The Hope Ice Cave, for example, is currently closed due to collapse risk, but its name suggests winter conditions were once a feature.
Absolutely. Many of the rock formations in the Zittau Mountains provide excellent viewpoints. For instance, the area around Dutý Kámen (Hohlstein) offers beautiful paths over rocks with wonderful views. Formations like Muschelsaal and Kelchstein are also part of scenic hiking routes that provide numerous vantage points across the picturesque landscape.
The time required varies depending on the site. A guided tour of the Schwarzes Loch Show Mine might take an hour or more. Exploring the rock-hewn rooms within Oybin Castle and Monastery can be part of a larger visit to the castle complex, which could take several hours. Natural formations like Muschelsaal or Gratzer Rocks are often visited as part of a longer hike, with the detour to the formations themselves taking 30 minutes to an hour.
When exploring the rock formations and trails, sturdy footwear is highly recommended due to varied and sometimes uneven terrain. If you plan to climb, ensure you have appropriate gear and experience. For sites like the Schwarzes Loch Show Mine, follow the instructions of your guide. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially near cliff edges or in areas with loose rocks.


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