Best caves around Korbußen are primarily found in the surrounding region of Thuringia, offering a variety of subterranean experiences. The area features both natural geological formations and historical man-made underground structures. These natural features and historical sites provide insights into the region's past and geological makeup. Visitors can explore a range of caves, from ancient cellars to former mining tunnels.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Mysterious Passages What to do with 1.4 million liters? That's how much beer was allowed to be brewed annually in Gera in the 17th century. As in other cities, the city's citizens – provided they owned a home – had the right to brew beer. Suitable rock cellars for storage did not exist in the surrounding area, so the resourceful citizens dug underground. Gera's beer storage facilities, known as Höhler (caves), were primarily built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The cellars, up to ten meters deep, spread out beneath Gera's old town like an underground labyrinth. More than 200 Höhler (caves) were built over the centuries, crisscrossing, stacked, and sometimes even abutting one another. Consistent temperatures of 12 to 13 degrees Celsius (54 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit) guaranteed refreshing beer enjoyment even in summer. From Coal Cellar to Tourist Attraction With the founding of the German Empire in 1871, the citizens' old private brewing rights expired, and the caves gradually fell into oblivion. Some were used as storage rooms, others filled in. In 1935, the caves were precisely surveyed and recorded for the first time. A completely new use was planned for the former beer cellars: in the event of war, they were to serve the people of Gera as underground shelters during air raids. In the 1980s, these extraordinary buildings slowly returned to public attention. Ten caves were connected by wall openings between 1986 and 1989 and have since been open to guided tours. The depiction of the various uses – as beer storage, later as coal cellars, waste dumps, or air-raid shelters – brings the history of the caves to life, and you can also discover the first natural stalactites in the centuries-old passages. https://www.gera.de/tourismus-freizeit-kultur/museen/historische-geraer-hoehler
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You've probably moved. Today, the hyenas are in the boardrooms.😁
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Beneath the old town of Gera there is a labyrinth of underground passages that lie up to ten metres below ground.
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The Gera Caves are artificially created cavities (deep cellars) under the actual utility cellars of the houses in the old town of Gera, which were previously used to store beer.
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Stolln 2 is also in the immediate vicinity.
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There is also a beautiful spa park with lots of seating options.
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There was a hyena den here until 1876.
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The Gera caves are always worth a visit. The cave festival takes place every year and the caves can be visited with or without a guide
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Around Korbußen, you'll primarily find historical, man-made underground structures rather than natural stalactite caves. These include former beer cellars, mining tunnels, and historical storage sites. For example, the Gera Höhler Cellars are a fascinating system of interconnected deep cellars used for beer storage, while the Bergkeller Stolln 1 Ronneburg and Stangenkeller Strolin 1 are historical mining tunnels.
While Korbußen itself is known for its historical underground cellars and tunnels, the broader region of Thuringia and the Harz Mountains offers impressive natural show caves. Notable examples include the Baumanns Cave and Iberg Stalactite Cave in the Harz Mountains, known for their diverse stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the Marienglashöhle Friedrichroda in Thuringia, famous for its sparkling gypsum crystals.
Yes, many of the historical underground sites are suitable for families. The Gera Höhler Cellars, for instance, offer guided tours that are educational and engaging for all ages, providing insight into the region's history and how these cellars were used. When visiting natural show caves in the wider region, guided tours are typically available and designed for general public access.
The underground sites around Korbußen are rich in history. The Gera Höhler Cellars were vital for beer storage before refrigeration. Mining tunnels like Bergkeller Stolln 1 Ronneburg and Stangenkeller Strolin 1 reflect the region's mining heritage, with some dating back to the 17th century and even used for mineral storage. The Lindenthal Hyena Cave is a historical site known for its paleontological significance as a former hyena den.
Temperatures inside caves typically remain cool, around 8-9 degrees Celsius, with high humidity, even in summer. It is highly recommended to wear warm clothing, such as a jacket or sweater, and non-slip shoes for comfort and safety on potentially damp or uneven surfaces.
While the immediate Korbußen area features historical man-made tunnels, the wider Thuringia region offers unique geological formations. The Barbarossa Cave, for example, is one of only two show caves worldwide made of anhydrite rock, displaying a beautiful play of colors in its expansive formations. Marienglashöhle Friedrichroda is renowned for its large crystal cave sparkling with gypsum crystals.
Yes, guided tours are often available for many of the notable underground sites. For instance, the Gera Höhler Cellars offer guided tours that delve into their history and use. Similarly, natural show caves in the broader region, like Baumanns Cave, provide guided experiences to explore their formations and learn about their origins.
The area around Korbußen offers various outdoor activities. You can explore MTB Trails around Korbußen, enjoy Road Cycling Routes, or try Gravel biking around Korbußen. Many routes pass by natural features, historical landmarks, and offer scenic views, making it easy to combine a subterranean exploration with a day out in nature.
For many of the popular underground sites and show caves in the region, parking facilities are typically available nearby. It's always advisable to check the specific location's website or visitor information for details on parking availability and any associated fees before your visit.
Caves maintain a consistent cool temperature year-round, making them an excellent destination regardless of the season. They offer a cool escape during hot summer days and a sheltered activity during colder months. However, specific show caves might have seasonal opening hours, so it's best to check in advance.
Beyond the more prominent sites, you might encounter smaller, less conspicuous historical tunnels like the Etolina Stolln. While some of these might offer less to see inside, they contribute to the rich historical tapestry of the region's underground heritage. The Sandstone Caves in Blankenburg, for example, were historically integrated into fortifications and used for mining abrasive sand.


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