Caves around Bereborn offer a diverse landscape for exploration, featuring both natural caverns and historical mining tunnels. The region provides opportunities to discover geological formations and sites with industrial heritage. These locations are situated within a landscape that supports various outdoor activities.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Cave
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.
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
At the top, the Heinzelmännchen cave and 3 loungers made of tree trunks await you and even further up is a small mini playground for children
0
0
surprising sight when walking the theme path in our direction
0
0
The benches look very funny and are absolutely comfortable! If you look over your feet, it goes quite downhill ☺️
0
0
Inconspicuous, but worth the journey!
1
1
The Cave of the Brownies In the course of the earth's history, various mountain ranges were formed, which are continuously changing vertically and horizontally due to erosion and different phases of uplift and subsidence. The mountain located here was already identified in old field maps as "Heinzelmännchens Berg". Now we know from the legend of August Kopisch from 1836 that the brownies were at home in Cologne. According to this story, they helped the craftsmen in the guild lanes to do their work at night. This eager support came to an end when a curious tailor's wife tried to discover the unknown helpers in the night. They fled from Cologne and found in the Eifel, e.g. in Nachtsheim, a new home. From then on they made themselves at home in the mountains. To date, however, no one has seen the brownies. some of their doings in the night home betray their presence. Enclosure walls are repaired overnight - but no one knows how that happened. Outdoor facilities and gardens appear in new splendor - they have changed overnight. Shrubs and hedges were cut, changes in all corners. As a thank you for their actions and also to secure the home of the brownies for the future, their home was renovated in 2019.
0
0
Above the "cave of the elves" are these 3 tree trunks cut into loungers, on which you can rest a little after the strenuous climb.
0
0
The entrance to the tunnel is currently closed and should not be entered. (05/08/2022)
1
0
On the loungers on the slope above the Heinzelmänchen cave you have a great view over the Mimbachtal
0
0
Bereborn offers a mix of both natural caves and historical mining tunnels. You can discover geological formations like the Heinzelmännchen Cave, known for its natural beauty and local legends, as well as sites with industrial heritage such as the Bergkrone Mine Tunnel, a former barite mine.
Yes, the Bergkrone Mine Tunnel is a significant historical site. It represents a former barite mine that operated for over 100 years, playing a crucial role in the region's industrial past. While the entrance to the tunnel is currently closed, its historical importance is evident.
Absolutely! The Rope-Assisted Trail to Heinzelmännchenhöhle is a great option for families. It leads to the Heinzelmännchen Cave and features rope assistance for an adventurous feel. At the top, there's even a small playground for children, making it an enjoyable outing for all ages.
Near the Heinzelmännchen Cave, you can enjoy fantastic views over the Mimbachtal. There are even loungers made from tree trunks on the slope above the cave, perfect for resting and taking in the scenery after your climb.
Beyond cave exploration, Bereborn offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Bergkrone Mine Tunnel – Lake Heilbach loop from Gunderath' or 'Heilbachsee – Center Parcs Park Eifel loop from Gunderath'. For cyclists, there are touring and road cycling routes like the 'Bergkrone Mine Tunnel – Center Parcs Park Eifel loop from Sassen' or 'Geisberg – Bergkrone Mine Tunnel loop from Gunderath'. You can find more details on these routes in the Running Trails around Bereborn, Cycling around Bereborn, and Road Cycling Routes around Bereborn guides.
Yes, the Heinzelmännchen Cave is steeped in local folklore. It's known as the 'Cave of the Brownies' or 'elves,' with legends suggesting these industrious little helpers found a new home in the Eifel, including this cave, after leaving Cologne. While no one has seen them, their presence is hinted at by overnight repairs and garden transformations.
Many of the cave-related highlights and trails, such as the Rope-Assisted Trail to Heinzelmännchenhöhle and the Heinzelmännchen Cave itself, are generally considered intermediate in difficulty. This means they are suitable for most visitors with a reasonable level of fitness.
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscape, offering both natural caverns and historical mining tunnels. The opportunity to discover geological formations and sites of industrial heritage is highly valued. The komoot community has shown strong engagement, with over 260 upvotes and more than 110 photos shared, highlighting the area's appeal.
The entrance to the Bergkrone Mine Tunnel is currently closed and should not be entered. However, its exterior and the surrounding area still offer a glimpse into its historical significance as a former barite mine.
Near the Heinzelmännchen Cave, you'll find facilities including loungers made from tree trunks on the slope, offering a comfortable spot to rest and enjoy the view over the Mimbachtal. Additionally, the nearby Rope-Assisted Trail to Heinzelmännchenhöhle has a small playground at the top.
The Heinzelmännchen Cave can be reached via the Rope-Assisted Trail to Heinzelmännchenhöhle. This trail provides a unique and engaging way to access the cave, complete with rope assistance for parts of the ascent.


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