Top 20 Caves in the Allgäu

The Allgäu offers a diverse range of subterranean and cave-like experiences. You can explore the region's only accessible natural crevice cave, the Sturmanns Cave, as well as dramatic river gorges like the Breitachklamm and Starzlachklamm, which provide immersive, cave-like atmospheres. Additionally, there are artificial grottoes, such as the Venus Grotto, and several religious grottos like the Marian Grotto Falkenstein and Lohweg Grotto.

The Allgäu region is not known for classic dripstone caves with stalactites and stalagmites. The Sturmanns Cave is the only accessible natural crevice cave, formed by water and rock faults, offering unique geological formations but without stalactites. The Nebelhöhle, a notable dripstone cave, is located in the Swabian Alb, outside the Allgäu region.

While technically gorges, the Breitachklamm and Starzlachklamm offer profound, cave-like experiences due to their immense depth and narrow, rock-enclosed passages. The Breitachklamm, near Oberstdorf, is one of the deepest rocky gorges in Central Europe, with vertical rock faces up to 150 meters deep. The Starzlachklamm, between Sonthofen and Burgberg, features spectacular narrow passages carved by the Starzlach river, revealing ancient Nummulitic limestone fossils. Both provide dramatic natural spectacles of water's erosive power.

Many of the cave-like attractions in the Allgäu are suitable for families. The Wild Maidens' Rock Caves are highlighted as a great destination for children with climbing opportunities. The Breitachklamm and Starzlachklamm gorges have well-maintained hiking trails that are generally accessible for families, though some sections may be challenging for very young children or strollers. Religious grottos like the Lourdes Grotto, Scheidegg and Bittenau Grotto are also considered family-friendly.

Dog policies vary by attraction. For the Sturmanns Cave, it's advisable to check their specific rules regarding dogs. The Breitachklamm generally allows dogs on a leash, but it's always best to confirm current regulations before your visit. For other natural areas and gorges, dogs are often permitted on trails if kept on a leash, but access to specific cave interiors or visitor centers might be restricted.

The best time to visit depends on the experience you seek. The gorges, like Breitachklamm and Starzlachklamm, are spectacular year-round. In summer, they offer a cool escape, while in winter, they transform into a magical landscape of ice formations. Natural caves like Sturmanns Cave maintain a consistent cool temperature (4 to 8 degrees Celsius) year-round, making them suitable for exploration in any season, though opening hours may vary. Always check specific attraction opening times before planning your trip.

When visiting caves and gorges, it's recommended to wear sturdy, non-slip footwear, as paths can be wet and uneven. Even in summer, the temperature inside natural caves like Sturmanns Cave remains cool (4-8°C), so bring an extra layer of clothing. For gorges, waterproof outerwear might be beneficial due to spray from waterfalls. In winter, dress warmly in layers, as temperatures can be very low, especially in the gorges.

Yes, the Allgäu region offers numerous hiking opportunities around its cave and gorge attractions. For example, the Breitachklamm is part of many easy hikes in the Allgäu, including the 'Breitachklamm Loop Trail'. You can find more hiking routes and detailed information in the Easy hikes in the Allgäu guide.

Beyond exploring caves and gorges, the Allgäu region provides a wide array of outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, such as those listed in the Cycling in the Allgäu guide, or explore running trails detailed in the Running Trails in the Allgäu guide. The region's diverse landscape is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the natural beauty.

The Hölloch Cave Entrance is the entry point to a 77-meter-deep shaft of a karst cave, located near Oberstdorf. It is the entrance to the second-longest cave in Germany. However, this cave is not open to tourists. From the top, you can only see a few meters into the shaft, but further exploration is restricted due to its challenging nature and conservation efforts.

Yes, the Allgäu features several historical and religious grottoes. The Venus Grotto near Schwangau is an artificial stalactite cave at Linderhof Palace, built in the 19th century as a stage for opera. Additionally, there are natural rock formations adapted for religious purposes, such as the Marian Grotto Falkenstein, Lohweg Grotto, and Lourdes Grotto, Scheidegg, often featuring shrines or statues.

The Allgäu's subterranean attractions showcase fascinating geological history. The Sturmanns Cave is a million-year-old crevice cave formed by water and rock faults. The Breitachklamm reveals Cretaceous Schrattenkalk limestone, formed from ancient coral reefs. The Starzlachklamm features Nummulitic limestone with coin-shaped fossils, indicating a tropical shelf sea existed 30 million years ago. These sites offer a glimpse into the Earth's past and the powerful forces of nature.