Top 4 Caves around Kottmar
Best caves around Kottmar are found within a region known for its diverse natural landscape and historical significance in the Oberlausitz. The area features various geological formations, including natural rock formations and small caves. Kottmar, situated in a region of forested areas and hills, offers opportunities to explore these unique natural features. The geology of Kottmar, while volcanic, still presents interesting cave-like formations and historical sites.
Best caves around Kottmar
- The most popular caves is Geldkeller Rock Formation, a natural monument that features a small cave at its north foot. This striking rock formation is associated with a legend of a secret cellar containing gold, and on the summer solstice, the sun shines through a viewing slit, painting a golden spot of light inside the cave.
- Another must-see spot is Karasek Cave, a natural monument and cave. This weathered rock giant, made of bright quartzite, is historically linked to the robber captain Johannes Karasek, who, according to legend, hid treasure in its cracks and caves.
- Visitors also love Jiříkov Mine Tunnel, an accessible tunnel. This historical site, created at the end of World War II, is documented to be up to 140 meters long.
- Kottmar is known for natural rock formations, small caves, and historical mine tunnels. The region offers a variety of natural features to see and explore, from small caves to larger rock formations.
- The caves around Kottmar are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 160 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Karasek Cave
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Geldkeller Rock Formation
Highlight • Natural Monument
Large boulders piled one on top of the other form two viewing windows above the cave entrance. One allows a view of the morning sun of spring and autumn, as well as the morning sun of the winter solstice and opposite the evening sun of the summer solstice.
The second viewing window is just to the east of the cave entrance. Here the sun appears at the winter solstice at the moment when it disappears behind the hill fort at Berggrad and at the evening sun in spring and autumn.
The Geldkeller is very easy to reach. A road leads to the Löbauer Berg. There is a parking lot between the two hilltops. From here you walk in the direction of the radio tower. Then follow the course of the ramparts until the path leads through the ramparts to a small rock in the east. This rock is the money cellar.
The way is also signposted.
Source: Hand of the Gods
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Jiříkov Mine Tunnel
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Tips from the Community
Great rock formation; With due attention, you can climb well and conquer the rocks and surroundings.
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Mountains always attract magically - nicely depicted here.
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The money cellar is an interesting rock formation
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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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Observe the growth of the newly planted small-leaved lime
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Accessible premises of the tunnel in Jirikov were thoroughly documented in the publication Podzemi Sluknovska a Luzickych hor - see Books from the Museum Fund. The tunnel itself is interrupted by a demolition at meter 64 (photo 4). The tunnel is said to be up to 140 meters long. The tunnel was created at the end of World War II, but its purpose and use are currently unknown - probably everything is related to war production.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I expect to see in the caves around Kottmar?
The caves around Kottmar offer diverse natural features. You can find striking rock formations like the Geldkeller Rock Formation, which features a small cave at its base and unique light phenomena during the summer solstice. The Karasek Cave is a weathered rock giant made of bright quartzite, showcasing interesting geological erosion patterns.
Are there any caves around Kottmar with historical or legendary significance?
Yes, several caves in the region are rich in history and legend. The Geldkeller Rock Formation is associated with a legend of a secret cellar containing gold. The Karasek Cave is historically linked to the robber captain Johannes Karasek, who, according to legend, hid treasure in its cracks. The Querx Cave is known as the 'apartment of the Oberlausitzer Querxe' and is connected to local fairy tales and legends of Upper Lusatia.
Which caves around Kottmar are considered family-friendly?
Both the Geldkeller Rock Formation and the Querx Cave are noted as family-friendly. The Geldkeller is easily accessible, and the Querx Cave is described as charming and easily accessible, making them suitable for visitors of all ages.
What is the Geldkeller Rock Formation known for?
The Geldkeller Rock Formation is a striking natural monument with a small cave at its north foot. It's famous for a legend of a secret cellar containing gold. Uniquely, on the morning of the summer solstice, the sun shines through a viewing slit into the cave, painting a golden spot of light inside, and at sunset, the interior gets a golden glow.
What makes the Karasek Cave interesting?
The Karasek Cave is a natural monument featuring a weathered rock giant made of bright quartzite. It's historically significant as a rumored meeting point for the robber captain Johannes Karasek and his cronies, who supposedly hid treasure in its cracks and cavities.
What is the story behind Querx Cave?
The Querx Cave is known as the 'apartment of the Oberlausitzer Querxe.' This site is deeply connected to the fairy tales and legends of Upper Lusatia and the Zittau Mountains, offering a charming and easily accessible natural feature that sparks imagination.
Is the Jiříkov Mine Tunnel accessible to visitors?
The Jiříkov Mine Tunnel is a historical site. While its premises have been documented, the tunnel itself is interrupted by a demolition at meter 64. Its purpose, likely related to war production, remains largely unknown.
Are there any challenging cave exploration opportunities around Kottmar?
The Jiříkov Mine Tunnel is categorized as challenging, suggesting a more demanding experience for those interested in exploring historical mine sites. However, it's important to note that the tunnel is interrupted by a demolition.
What outdoor activities can I do near these caves?
The region around Kottmar offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy and moderate options like the 'Spree Source at Kottmar' loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes such as those found in the Gravel biking around Kottmar guide, and dedicated hiking trails in the Hiking around Kottmar guide.
Are there hiking trails near the caves around Kottmar?
Yes, there are several hiking trails near the caves. For instance, you can explore routes like the 'Spree Source at Kottmar – Wolfsgrube on the Sagenpfad loop' or the 'Kottmar – Spree Source at Kottmar loop,' both of which are easy hikes. More options can be found in the Hiking around Kottmar guide and the Easy hikes around Kottmar guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Kottmar?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty and local folklore associated with the caves. The historical legends, such as those of hidden treasure at Karasek Cave and the magical tales of Querx Cave, add a captivating dimension to the natural rock formations. The ease of access for many of these sites also makes them popular for exploration.
Are there any prominent show caves or large cave systems directly in Kottmar?
Based on available information, Kottmar itself is not known for prominent show caves or extensive cave systems that are major tourist attractions. The region features smaller natural rock formations and caves, often with local historical or legendary significance, rather than large, commercially developed cave complexes.
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