Top 12 Caves around Hitzhofen
Best caves around Hitzhofen are found within the Altmühltal Nature Park, a region characterized by its distinctive karst geology and limestone formations. This area, located in Bavaria, Germany, features a landscape shaped by ancient rivers and geological processes, leading to numerous natural cavities. The terrain offers a mix of forested hills and river valleys, providing a setting for geological exploration. The region's natural features include significant rock formations and underground systems.
Best caves around Hitzhofen
- The most popular cave is Arndthöhle Cave, a natural monument that plunges to a depth of 30 meters. It features a secured staircase with 80 steps for visitor access and is known for its archaeological findings.
- Another must-see spot is Cobenzl Hole, a natural cave that has been artificially enlarged. Visitors can explore its interior, which includes a spacious chamber and a damp floor from dripping water.
- Visitors also love Hohler Stein Cave (Schambach), a natural karst cave system. This cave features an upper and lower section, connected by an ascending corridor, and is approximately 35 meters long.
- Hitzhofen is known for its natural karst caves and historical sites. The region offers a variety of caves to see and explore, ranging from accessible natural monuments to more challenging formations.
- The caves around Hitzhofen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 890 upvotes and over 690 photos shared by users.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Arndthöhle Cave
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Audio Guide Naturpark Altmühltal:
audioguide.naturpark-altmuehltal.de/tour/item/arndthoehle_bei_attenzell-36/?hash=05b177fef9bb7574f00cc31409306c27.
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Büchenhüll Mammoth Cave
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Cobenzl Hole
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Waggerlloch Cave
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During excavations in the years 1967 to 1971, Karl-Heinz Rieder found numerous pottery shards and metal objects from the early bronze, urn fields, Hallstatt and Celtic times, but also evidence that the cave was still used as a refuge for humans in the Middle Ages.
According to the legend, an underground passage once led from the Waggerlloch to Arnsberg Castle.
That is not true, but it could boost tourism considerably, Mayor Heinrich Hackner thought 50 years ago, and decided to give the legend a boost. Suddenly, he ordered a man into the cave to work his way with a shovel and pimple towards Arnsberg. But the cunning plan didn't work: the rock turned out to be too hard; the sweaty worker threw the hoe aside after half a meter of driving.
Source:
donaukurier.de/lokales/eichstaett/Kipfenberg-Zerplatzte-Traeume-im-Waggerlloch;art575,3264783
naturpark-altmuehltal.de/sehensenswert/michelsberg_bei_kipfenberg-2310
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Hohler Stein Cave (Schambach)
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Cave is not accessible as of July 2019.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohler_Stein_(bei_Schambach)
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Tips from the Community
By bike to the edge of the forest at the former resting place and then on foot up the path over steps to the cave entrance.
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Unfortunately, the Hohle Stein is no longer accessible for safety reasons 🤷♂️
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The cave is about 25 meters long, 5 meters wide and 14 meters high. You can look inside through the 4 meter wide open chimney in the middle of the cave. The entrance under the plateau is closed. The mammoth fell through the chimney with 33 other animals and was preserved with stone and clay. Animal bones are on display in the Willibalsburg Museum.
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‼️Bat winter quarters‼️ Please follow the entry ban between October and the end of March to protect the animals! If bats are woken during hibernation, they use up excessive energy reserves and may starve. Flying out and finding food is only possible again in spring!
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Small cave on the castle hill of Kipfenberg Castle. You can take it with you if you run there ehrl.
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Unfortunately, for safety reasons, you cannot enter the cave
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a cave with many stairs leading deep down
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of geological features can I expect to see in the caves around Hitzhofen?
The caves around Hitzhofen are primarily natural karst cavities, formed by the dissolution of limestone in the Altmühltal Nature Park. You'll encounter formations shaped by ancient rivers and geological processes, often featuring imposing entrances and deep chambers.
Which caves are known for their historical or archaeological significance?
The Arndthöhle Cave has yielded archaeological findings including animal bones, pottery shards from the Urnfield and Hallstatt periods, and the Middle Ages. Human bones were also found, suggesting prehistoric use. The Waggerlloch Cave also has a rich history, with excavations revealing pottery and metal objects from the Early Bronze, Urnfield, Hallstatt, and Celtic times, indicating its use as a refuge through the Middle Ages.
Is the Arndthöhle Cave accessible to visitors?
Yes, the Arndthöhle Cave is made accessible via a secured staircase of 80 steps. Individual visits are possible between April 1st and September 30th. It is closed from October 1st to March 31st for bat protection.
What should I bring when visiting the Arndthöhle Cave?
Visitors are advised to bring a flashlight due to the cave's darkness and a jacket for the cool temperatures inside, as the cave is not illuminated. The entrance is described as 'a little creepy,' adding to the adventurous atmosphere.
Are there any caves that are currently not accessible?
Yes, the Hohler Stein Cave (Schambach), a natural karst cave system, was reported as not accessible as of July 2019 for safety reasons.
What is unique about the Cobenzl Hole?
The Cobenzl Hole is a natural cave that has been artificially enlarged. Visitors can explore its interior, which includes a spacious chamber. The floor can be damp from dripping water, and moss grows on the walls.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves around Hitzhofen?
For caves like the Arndthöhle Cave, the best time to visit is between April 1st and September 30th. Many caves in the region serve as winter roosts for bats and are closed during the colder months (October to March) for their protection.
Are there hiking trails near the caves?
Yes, the caves are often part of hiking routes. For example, the Arndthöhle Cave is accessible via well-marked hiking trails, such as loop #16 of the Altmühltal Panorama Trail (Mühlenweg). You can find more hiking options in the area by exploring Hiking around Hitzhofen.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the caves around Hitzhofen?
Beyond hiking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for Road Cycling Routes around Hitzhofen or explore MTB Trails around Hitzhofen, with routes ranging from easy to difficult.
What do visitors generally appreciate about the caves in this region?
Visitors often highlight the impressive natural formations and the adventurous experience of exploring these karst caves. The 'spectacular access' and the 'creepy' atmosphere of the Arndthöhle Cave are frequently mentioned, along with the historical insights offered by sites like the Waggerlloch Cave.
Is there parking available near the Arndthöhle Cave?
Yes, parking is available at the Altmühlbrücke in Arnsberg, or a closer hiking car park in Birktal, both providing access to the trails leading to the Arndthöhle Cave.
What is the Büchenhüll Mammoth Cave like?
The Büchenhüll Mammoth Cave is described as very impressive. While it's not always fully accessible, visitors can often feel a distinct temperature change when approaching its grid, offering a glimpse into its past.
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