Top 4 Caves around Laufeld
Best caves around Laufeld are found in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This region is characterized by its volcanic landscape and rich geological history, offering a variety of natural and man-made subterranean formations. The area features caves formed by groundwater erosion, ancient lava flows, and historical mining activities. These sites provide insights into both natural geological processes and human history in the Eifel region.
Best caves around Laufeld
- The most popular caves is Kobesloch Hut – View over the…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Goldglück Former Lead Mine
Highlight • Historical Site
Niederstadtfeld, Niederstadtfeld municipality
description
[...] The mine that was operated in the previous century should not go unmentioned. The field names "Am Bleiofen" and "An der Bleireinigung" …
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Mauseloch Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Iron Ore Prospecting Tunnel Grundwies
Highlight • Cave
When the last ironworks in Eisenschmitter closed in 1868, the ore search continued. Around 1890, a 35m long walk-in tunnel …
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Gillenfeld Mariengrotte
Highlight • Religious Site
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Unfortunately, the path there is completely overgrown and impassable. As of June 25, the descent isn't worth it.
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A grotto in honor of the Holy Mother of God has been built from lava at the church entrance, with an altar table in the largest grotto.
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Iron ore search tunnel in the Grundwies district of Niederscheidweiler. When the last ironworks in Eisenschmitter closed in 1868, the ore search continued. Around 1890, a 35m long walk-in tunnel was driven horizontally into the mountain here in the Alfbachtal near Grundwies. Also in the valley of the Sammetbach, in front of the confluence with the Alf, an ore exploration tunnel about 10 meters deep from this period has been preserved and other tunnels that have been forgotten are located on the south side of the Manderscheider saddle and the north side of the Moselle basin. According to Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, the bat protection period begins on October 1st and ends on March 31st. During this period, bats are legally prohibited from entering caves, grottos, bunkers, tunnels and other potential hibernation dwellings. Source: Kulturdb.de
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Former mine Goldglück Niederstadtfeld, Niederstadtfeld municipality description [...] The mine that was operated in the previous century should not go unmentioned. The field names "Am Bleiofen" and "An der Bleireinigung" are still reminiscent of this former mine. In 1858 it employed 12 to 15 miners who came from Niederstadtfeld and Üdersdorf. The mine, which was located on a mountain east of the valley of the Kleine Kyll in the direction of Schutz, was probably of Roman origin, because there was already a tunnel when the work in the mine began. A tunnel still exists today, but the three shafts on the top of the Bleiberg were filled in for safety reasons after the Second World War. In the mine, which was called "Goldglück", silver, lead and copper were extracted. The ore, which was melted into blocks, was transported to the large works in Mechernich and Bleialf with the help of ox carts. There is still a registered water right to discharge the waste water from the mine into the "Kerlsbach", which flows into the Kleine Kyll. Work in the mine was temporarily suspended, for example in the years 1858 to 1907, for reasons that were not known. After a long interruption, production in the mine was resumed in 1907 and again it was Niederstadtfelder and Üdersdorfer who found work there. However, in order to get to the ore in the deeper regions, a transverse shaft had to be built from the deep "guy". In 1915 the work in the mine "Goldglück" was finally stopped due to the strong effects of the war. During the war, some families from Niederstadtfeld still used these tunnels as bunkers. (Source: https://kulturdb.de/einobjekt.php?id=17487)
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A little out of the way and therefore a nice quiet place to stay ... The whole story is here: https://kulturdb.de/ein Objekt.php?id=17487
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At the information board to the left behind across the meadow. The mouse hole is an approx. 10 m long cave.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore around Laufeld?
The Laufeld region offers a diverse range of subterranean formations. You'll find natural rock caves formed by groundwater erosion, ancient lava flows, and historical mining tunnels. These include prehistoric rock caves like the Buchenlochhöhle, and artificial caves created by centuries of basalt extraction, such as the Mühlsteinhöhlen.
Are there any caves with historical significance near Laufeld?
Yes, the region is rich in historical caves. The Goldglück Former Lead Mine is a notable site where silver, lead, and copper were extracted, with tunnels also used as bunkers during wartime. The Buchenlochhöhle shows evidence of use by Neanderthals, and the Kakus Cave is recognized as one of Europe's oldest archaeological sites. The Mühlsteinhöhlen also offer a deep dive into the industrial history of the Volcanic Eifel.
Which caves are suitable for families or easy to access?
The Kobesloch Hut – View over the Lieser Valley, categorized as a cave, is family-friendly and offers a great view. Many of the millstone caves, like those at Rother Kopf, are freely accessible, providing an adventurous experience. The Gillenfeld Mariengrotte is also listed as family-friendly.
What natural wonders can I expect to see in the caves?
You can observe unique geological formations. The Elfengrotte (Elf Grotto), also known as Käsegrotte, features rock formations resembling stacked cheese wheels, formed by ancient basalt flows. In particularly cold winters, some Mühlsteinhöhlen (Millstone Caves) can form impressive ice icicles, earning them the name 'ice caves'.
What should I wear or bring when visiting caves in the Laufeld region?
For many of the freely accessible but unlit caves, it's advisable to wear sturdy shoes. Bringing a flashlight is highly recommended, and for some more adventurous explorations, a helmet might be beneficial due to uneven terrain and low ceilings.
Are there guided tours available for any of the caves?
While many caves are freely accessible, some, like the Birresborn Ice Caves (part of the Mühlsteinhöhlen complex), do offer guided tours. It's recommended to check local tourist information for specific tour availability and booking details.
Can I combine a cave visit with other outdoor activities like hiking or cycling?
Absolutely! The Laufeld region is excellent for combining cave exploration with other outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those detailed in the Hiking around Laufeld guide, or cycling routes, including those in the Cycling around Laufeld guide, that pass by or lead to various cave sites.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves around Laufeld?
Caves can generally be visited year-round. However, for a unique experience, visiting during particularly cold winters might allow you to see the impressive ice icicles that form in some of the Mühlsteinhöhlen. Note that for bat protection, some tunnels like the Iron Ore Prospecting Tunnel Grundwies are legally prohibited from entry between October 1st and March 31st.
Are there any unique or lesser-known caves worth visiting?
Beyond the more prominent sites, the Mauseloch Cave is an approximately 10-meter-long natural cave and a natural monument, offering a glimpse into the region's geological formations. The Genovevahöhle, associated with local folklore and a filming location, also offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural history.
What are the temperature conditions inside the caves?
The average temperature inside many of the caves, particularly the Mühlsteinhöhlen, is around 6 degrees Celsius. This consistent cool temperature is why cold winter air can lead to ice formation in some of these caves.
Are there any caves related to local legends or folklore?
Yes, the Genovevahöhle (Genoveva Cave) is famously associated with the Genoveva from the Sigfrid legend. This cave combines natural beauty with local folklore, adding a cultural layer to your visit.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter in the caves?
Caves often serve as important habitats for wildlife, particularly bats. For their protection, some tunnels, such as the Iron Ore Prospecting Tunnel Grundwies, are closed to visitors during the bat hibernation period from October 1st to March 31st.
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