Top 17 Caves around Nannhausen
Best caves around Nannhausen are primarily found in the surrounding Hunsrück region, characterized by its historical slate mining industry. This area features numerous former mining tunnels and natural rock shelters. While not traditional show caves, these sites offer insights into the region's industrial past and serve as important ecological habitats. The landscape around Nannhausen is marked by these geological and man-made underground formations.
Best caves around Nannhausen
- The most popular caves is Love Cave, an intermediate cave located near the youth camp site on the other side of the Kauerbach. This site is known for its unique natural formation.
- Another must-see spot is Leimberg mine, a challenging historical site and man-made cave. The tunnel leads into a large, cubic mining chamber, from which several tunnels extend further into the mountain.
- Visitors also love Stollen mouth, a challenging historical and man-made cave. This tunnel mouth is located about 50 meters from the path of the dream loop, leading into a complex system of excavation rooms and tunnels.
- Nannhausen is known for former mining tunnels, slate mines, and natural rock shelters. These sites provide a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage and ecological significance.
- The caves around Nannhausen are appreciated by the komoot community, with 20 upvotes and 38 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Stollen mouth
Highlight • Cave
After the low entrance, you come across a rusty ladder after 10 meters and only looking back reveals that the entrance was probably earlier.
Then it gets exciting, because it's a bit slippery on a slope 15 meters further and a good 5 meters down(!). If you are at the bottom, turn left at right angles. This level leads through several excavation rooms, which are wide but not high, a good 70 meters far into a dome that is also low, from which tunnels lead off on both sides. But you can also go straight ahead 60 meters, then you would have to go through knee-deep water for a good 20 meters and then you might have to go further. The tunnel to the right leads 50 meters to a cathedral and then another 50 meters further. The left tunnel ends after about 45 meters.
So you have a lot to do!
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Ore mine (barred)
Highlight • Cave
The tunnel entrance is very low and secured with a padlock.
Exploration 11/22:
Actually, only the entrance is a bit low. After that, it's easy to descend 60 meters into the mountain, slightly crouching.
After 40 meters, a small mining chamber branches off to the left, followed by a shaft leading vertically down about 10 meters. Roughly estimated, it's about 6 meters. With an opening of about 1x1 meters, a misstep would be impossible to catch and could cause significant damage.
It's quite possible that there's a side branch in the remaining 10 meters, and there's definitely a tunnel leading off to the side at the bottom of the shaft.
This largely unknown tunnel is one of the sites of the Wellmich-Werlau vein train, which includes, for example, the Werlau shaft komoot.de/highlight/1371659, the Gustav shaft komoot.de/highlight/3100074 and the Camilla mine komoot.de/highlight/1099786 and which ends not far from the Eid mine on the Geierberg near Alterkülz de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grube_Eid.
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Leimberg mine
Highlight • Cave
Remains of the walls of former farm buildings can still be found in front of the tunnel entrance.
There are five more tunnels in the Leimberg mountain, but no building remains.
It is unclear whether this is the "Three Men" mine, the only one mentioned for the Gehlweiler district.
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Cave Entrance at Lametbach
Highlight • Cave
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mengerschied?wprov=sfla1
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Love Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Tips from the Community
At the refuge - view of Gemünden & Baroque castle
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Very cool corner for biking
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The cave entrance is located behind Mengerschied & Eichenmühle on the Lametbach https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mengerschied?wprov=sfla1
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The tunnel leads a few meters into the mountain before opening into a large, cubic mining chamber (approx. 30 x 10 m, >5 m high). Several tunnels extend further into the mountain from this chamber. Remains of the walls of former farm buildings can still be found in front of the tunnel entrance. There are five more tunnels in the Leimberg mountain, but no building remains. It is unclear whether this is the "Three Men" mine, the only one mentioned for the Gehlweiler district.
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I didn't know about it until today, but it exists. Near the youth camp site on the other side of the Kauerbach. There is already a love canyon!
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The tunnel mouth is about 50m from the path of the dream loop (forest path) away above the slope behind the fenced garden plots on a forgotten and overgrown farm road. After the low entrance, you come across a rusty ladder after 10 meters and only looking back reveals that the entrance was probably earlier. Then it gets exciting, because it's a bit slippery on a slope 15 meters further and a good 5 meters down(!). If you are at the bottom, turn left at right angles. This level leads through several excavation rooms, which are wide but not high, a good 70 meters far into a dome that is also low, from which tunnels lead off on both sides. But you can also go straight ahead 60 meters, then you would have to go through knee-deep water for a good 20 meters and then you might have to go further. The tunnel to the right leads 50 meters to a cathedral and then another 50 meters further. The left tunnel ends after about 45 meters. So you have a lot to do!
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Hidden tunnel mouth, one of several in the region. Exciting.
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The tunnel goes in almost 50 meters, and shortly before the end a shaft goes down but it doesn't go any further.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of caves can I expect to find around Nannhausen?
The 'caves' around Nannhausen are primarily former slate mining tunnels, adits, and natural rock shelters, rather than traditional show caves with extensive stalactite formations. They offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past and serve as important ecological habitats, especially for bats.
What is the historical significance of the caves in the Nannhausen region?
The caves are largely remnants of the Hunsrück region's rich slate mining history. Many are old mining tunnels, like the Leimberg mine or the Stollen mouth, which were dug for slate or other minerals. Some, like the Upper and Lower Laykaul Slate Caves mentioned in regional research, even served as shelters for residents during wartime.
Are these caves suitable for families or beginners?
Many of the former mining tunnels and natural shelters are not developed for general tourism and can be challenging to explore due to low entrances, slippery slopes, or deep shafts. For example, the Ore mine (barred) has a very low entrance and a vertical shaft. The Love Cave is described as intermediate. Visitors should be prepared for rugged conditions and potential restrictions.
What natural features are prominent in and around these caves?
The most prominent natural features are the slate formations themselves, visible in earth outcrops and within the tunnels. Ecologically, many disused mine tunnels and rock shelters are significant bat habitats, leading to restricted access to protect these sensitive ecosystems.
What is the best time to visit the areas around the caves?
Access to some tunnels may be restricted during certain times, especially in winter, to protect bat habitats. For general exploration of the surrounding natural areas and trails, spring through autumn offers pleasant weather. Minimal vegetation in late winter/early spring might make some hidden entrances easier to spot, as noted for the Ore mine (barred).
Are there any specific safety considerations for exploring these caves?
Yes, safety is crucial. Many of these sites are undeveloped and can be dangerous. The Stollen mouth, for instance, involves a slippery slope 5 meters down. The Ore mine (barred) has a vertical shaft about 10 meters deep. Entrances can be low, and tunnels may contain knee-deep water or unstable sections. Proper gear, lighting, and experience are essential, and some areas are barred for safety or ecological reasons.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the caves around Nannhausen?
The Hunsrück region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for MTB, running, and road cycling. Many routes incorporate the natural beauty and historical sites of the area, allowing you to combine cave exploration with other outdoor pursuits.
Are there hiking trails that pass by or near these cave sites?
Yes, several hiking trails, including parts of the 'dream loops' mentioned in tips for the Stollen mouth, traverse the region. These trails often lead through forests and past historical mining areas, offering opportunities to discover these unique underground features.
What do visitors find most interesting about the caves near Nannhausen?
Visitors are often fascinated by the historical aspect, exploring the remnants of the region's mining past. The challenge and discovery of 'hidden' entrances, like the Slate gallery, and the unique geological formations are also highly appreciated. The sense of adventure in exploring these less-developed sites is a significant draw.
Are the areas around the caves dog-friendly?
While specific caves may have restricted access for safety or ecological reasons, the surrounding natural areas and hiking trails in the Hunsrück region are generally dog-friendly. Always keep dogs on a leash and be mindful of wildlife, especially near bat habitats.
How extensive are the tunnels in these former mines?
The tunnels vary greatly in length and complexity. Some, like the Stollen mouth, can extend over 70 meters into the mountain with branched tunnels and excavation rooms. The Leimberg mine features a large cubic mining chamber from which several tunnels extend further. Others, like the Slate gallery, can have side tunnels extending at least 50 meters.
Are there any specific geological formations to look out for?
The primary geological formations are the slate deposits themselves, which were extensively mined in the region. You can observe the mighty slate slabs in earth outcrops and within the tunnels, showcasing the unique geology of the Hunsrück.
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