Top 3 Caves around Paintner Forest
Best caves around Paintner Forest are found within a region characterized by its geological formations, including Jura limestone. This area features natural monuments and historical sites, offering insights into the local landscape and its past. The terrain includes features like the Altmühltal valley floor, where caves are situated above.
Best caves around Paintner Forest
- The most popular caves is Schulerloch Cave, a cave that features beautiful stalactites and a small museum. This 420-meter-long cave is located 55 meters above the Altmühltal valley floor and is one of the longest in the Lower Altmühltal area.
- Another must-see spot is Grundlose Grube (Bottomless Pit), a natural monument. Visitors can expect an impressive, mystic-looking pit that appears suddenly within the forest.
- Visitors also love Schulerloch Dripstone Cave, a stalactite cave. It is known for its formations and a multimedia show.
- Paintner Forest is known for show caves, dripstone caves, and natural pits. The area offers a variety of caves to see and explore, from those requiring guided tours to more natural, open formations.
- The caves around Paintner Forest are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and nearly 100 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Schulerloch Cave
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Grundlose Grube (Bottomless Pit)
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Oberneder Cave
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More information: lochstein.de/hoehlen/D/fralb/altm/unalt/oberneder/oberneder.htm
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View of the Altmühl Valley from Schulerloch Cave
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Small rock cave near Schulerloch
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Tips from the Community
Schulerloch Stalactite Cave > a Geotope The Great Schulerloch, which can be safely visited as a show cave with a half-hour guided tour, is one of the longest caves in the Lower Altmühl Valley with a measured length of 420 meters. The largest chamber of the cave covers almost 800 square meters and is 8 meters high. The cave features interesting stalactite decorations in places. Scientific excavations in the cave sediment have yielded not only bones of Ice Age animals, but also archaeological finds from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the Bronze Age. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=273H001
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Unfortunately, photography is prohibited in the cave, so I didn't take any photos. Please respect this ban!
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The small, freely accessible cave is somewhat hidden along the path and can be reached via a small, steep climb. During the winter months from late October to late March, the cave should not be visited to protect the bats.
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The Grundlose Grube > a geotope The Grundlose Grube is less of a sinkhole than a shaft cave. It is an approximately 35 m deep shaft with a 3-4 m wide opening. The funnel-shaped opening lies in the green sandstone; after 6 m, the boundary with the Jurassic limestone is reached. Here, the shaft widens to 7-9 m. From this depth, it narrows increasingly. The floor is filled with loose material. The Grundlose Grube belongs to the karst features of a younger (Quaternary) age. The Grundlose Grube is a bat roost of European importance. To preserve the cave as a year-round habitat, there is a YEAR-ROUND ENTRY BAN! Speleological exploration is possible in individual cases, but requires a special permit. The contact person is the Lower Nature Conservation Authority at the Kelheim District Office. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=273H002 Further information and images can be found on the website below. https://www.lochstein.de/hoehlen/D/fralb/sfralb/H-Hemau/Grundlose%20Grube/grundlose.htm
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Beautiful view along the Altmühl
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Kind of impressive. But be careful, if you fall into this you won't have to order any new shoes
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Beautiful stalactite cave with a small museum. The entrance fee is okay, there is a snack bar at the entrance with several shaded seating areas. The tour is varied and interesting, at the end there is a small multimedia show about the cave, well done.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore around Paintner Forest?
Paintner Forest is known for a variety of geological formations, including show caves, dripstone caves, and natural pits. You can find caves that offer guided tours with multimedia shows, as well as more natural, open formations within the forest.
Are there any family-friendly caves in the Paintner Forest area?
Yes, Schulerloch Cave is a great option for families. It features beautiful stalactites, a small museum, and guided tours that are varied and interesting. Children aged 4 and up have a reduced admission fee.
Can I bring my dog to the caves around Paintner Forest?
Yes, Schulerloch Cave is dog-friendly. Dogs on a leash are welcome and can enter for free. The cave entrance even has fabric laid out on the steps to make it easier for dogs to navigate the iron staircase.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves?
Most caves, like Schulerloch Cave, are open for guided tours from April to November. They are typically closed from November to March to protect wintering bats.
What are the difficulty levels for exploring caves in Paintner Forest?
The difficulty levels vary. Caves like Schulerloch Cave and Schulerloch Dripstone Cave are generally considered intermediate, offering guided tours. However, natural formations like Grundlose Grube (Bottomless Pit) are marked as challenging due to their natural, untamed environment.
Are there guided tours available for the caves?
Yes, Schulerloch Cave offers guided tours from April to November, running every 30 minutes. These tours often include a multimedia light show in the main hall.
What natural features can I expect to see in the caves?
You can expect to see impressive stalactites and other dripstone formations, particularly in Schulerloch Cave and Schulerloch Dripstone Cave. The region's Jura limestone geology contributes to these formations. You might also encounter unique natural pits like Grundlose Grube (Bottomless Pit).
Are there historical aspects to the caves in Paintner Forest?
Yes, some caves, such as Schulerloch Cave and Schulerloch Dripstone Cave, are also designated as historical sites, offering insights into the local landscape and its past.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves in Paintner Forest?
The Paintner Forest area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, mountain hikes, and MTB trails. These routes often provide scenic views of the Altmühltal valley and other natural landmarks.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Paintner Forest?
Visitors appreciate the impressive natural beauty of the stalactite formations and the engaging multimedia shows offered in some caves. The mystic atmosphere of natural pits and the overall experience of exploring these geological wonders are also highly rated.
How long does a typical visit to a show cave take?
A guided tour of a show cave like Schulerloch Cave typically lasts around 30 minutes, as tours depart every half hour. This allows ample time to experience the cave's features and multimedia presentation.
Are there any facilities or amenities near the caves?
Yes, Schulerloch Cave has facilities including a snack bar at the entrance with shaded seating areas, making it convenient for visitors.
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