Top 5 Caves around Dresden
Best caves around Dresden are often linked to local history, legends, or specific past uses, rather than extensive natural cave systems. The region features a mix of man-made subterranean structures, historical tunnels, and rock formations. Dresden, situated along the Elbe River, is known for its cultural significance and proximity to natural areas like the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. These sites provide insights into the area's industrial and cultural past.
Best caves around Dresden
- The most popular caves is Ice Worm Depot, a historic ice cellar known for the humorous tale of the Ice Worm. This site offers a blend of history and local folklore, with a winged dragon adorning its label.
- Another must-see spot is Mouth of the Gabe Gottes Erbstolln (Robbers' Cave), a former silver mine that began operation in 1763. Visitors can find information about this historical mining site on an accompanying board.
- Visitors also love Old Shaft Tunnels and Mnemosyne Stone, Kaitzgrund, a site featuring shaft tunnels and artistic sandstone blocks known as Muse stones. These stones, named Mnemosyne, are part of a water art path along the Kaitzbach stream.
- Dresden is known for historical tunnels, ice cellars, and former mining shafts. These sites offer a variety of underground experiences, often with historical or legendary significance.
- The caves around Dresden are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and over 110 photos shared by users.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Ice Worm Depot
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Mouth of the Gabe Gottes Erbstolln (Robbers' Cave)
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Robbers' Cave
Highlight • Cave
The tunnel was expanded in the Second World War to about 100 m and used as ammunition storage.
Today, after being closed for safety reasons, the cave is used as a bats' quarters.
Swell:
- dresdner-stadtteile.de/Nordost/Dresdner_Heide/dresdner_heide.html
- geocaching.com/geocache/GCNNH8_rauberhohle?guid=ef532f4e-34e5-4e7a-853f-050732e0bb70
- dwbvdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/sw2018_2_kaditztrachau.pdf
- dresden.de/media/pdf/umwelt/UB_2005_06.pdf
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Bunker Entrance in Former Quarry (Dresden)
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Old Shaft Tunnels and Mnemosyne Stone, Kaitzgrund
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Dresden Underground – Salt Mine Lockwitz
Highlight • Cave
salzstollen-dresden.de
dresdner-unterwelten.de
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Dresden
Cycling from Dresden to Berlin – lakes, nature and Sorbian culture
SEND IT! Germany by bike with two mountain bike pros
Mountains, heaths & lakes – hiking in Lusatia
Ore Mountains — between forests and elevation
Elbe and Vltava cycle paths – From Dresden to Prague
Fun on two wheels – e-bike Tours through Dresden Elbland
Towers, treasures & mountain railways – out and about with children in Dresden Elbland
3 days cycling in Dresden Elbland with Couchflucht's Sabrina
Natural treasures and idyllic villages – walking around Dresden
Hike in the footsteps of Caspar David Friedrich in Dresden Elbland
Other adventures around Dresden
Tips from the Community
There's also a nice story about it: https://www.kennst-du-dresden.de/blog/die-legende-vom-eiswurm-10393?srsltid=AfmBoopzUj_hJFH6smISEQweJWyUloT5bjK32mAPcD0eEzYhjiQ0wDHU
1
0
There's a lovely story about it: https://www.kennst-du-dresden.de/blog/die-legende-vom-eiswurm-10393?srsltid=AfmBoopzUj_hJFH6smISEQweJWyUloT5bjK32mAPcD0eEzYhjiQ0wDHU
0
0
A historic site that now benefits bats. You can peek inside through a small opening.
1
0
I know the cave is still open. I was there with my parents as a teenager and I can still remember that it was a bit steep to get into the cave. Later it was closed or filled in and there wasn't any putty like there is now.
1
0
The Ice Worm's Lair. A few steps to climb. With a humorous tale told by the Ice Worm. Info: The Felsenkeller Dresden (Dresden Rock Cellar) is located on the Weißeritz River in the Plauen Valley. Things aren't quite right in this ice cellar, because the Ice Worm lives here. The Ice Worm's story is a source of much amusement, and from then on, a winged dragon adorned the label.
3
0
"Robber's Cave" in the abandoned quarry in the Jungen Heide area. Information: During World War II, a tunnel was driven into the mountain. After 1945, a robber hid here from the police for an extended period. This is how the tunnel got its name, "Robber's Cave." The tunnel is approximately 100 meters deep.
2
0
There are still a few shaft tunnels in the Kaitzgrund and in front of them are so-called Muse stones, which are artistically worked sandstones. The stones are named Mnemosyne in reference to Greek mythology. In 1998, the permanent installation of a water art path was decided upon and gradually implemented until 2003 under the project management of Heidemarie Dreßel.
1
0
The legend of the ice worm warehouse: In 1862, the shareholders were discussing over a beer one evening whether Felsenkeller shares were crisis-proof. At a somewhat late hour, the banker entered the bar and spread a rumour among the boozy group that an ice worm was causing trouble, licking the ice off the barrels and spoiling the beer. A master tailor, also a shareholder, set off headlong towards Freital, woke the brewers from their sleep and demanded immediate payment of his shares. This story made the rounds in the area, caused much hilarity and became Felsenkeller's trademark. From then on, a winged dragon adorned the label... What a mess!
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of 'caves' can I expect to find around Dresden?
The 'caves' around Dresden are primarily historical tunnels, ice cellars, former mining shafts, and rock formations with local significance. Unlike extensive natural dripstone caves found elsewhere, these sites offer a unique blend of history, folklore, and past industrial uses, rather than large natural cave systems.
Are there any caves with historical significance near Dresden?
Yes, several sites have rich historical backgrounds. For example, the Mouth of the Gabe Gottes Erbstolln (Robbers' Cave) was a silver mine that began operation in 1763. Another site, Old Shaft Tunnels and Mnemosyne Stone, Kaitzgrund, features shaft tunnels and artistic sandstone blocks that are part of a water art path.
Can I visit the Robbers' Cave in the Jungen Heide area?
The Robbers' Cave in the Jungen Heide area, which has a history spanning from a potential protohistorical place of worship to a WWII ammunition storage and a robber's hideout, is no longer accessible to the public. It is now closed for safety reasons and serves as a habitat for bats.
Are there any family-friendly cave experiences around Dresden?
The Ice Worm Depot, also known as the Dresden Rock Cellar, is considered family-friendly. It's a historic ice cellar with a humorous local legend about the 'Ice Worm,' making it an engaging visit for children and adults alike.
What unique natural or man-made features can I see at these sites?
You can explore sites like the Old Shaft Tunnels and Mnemosyne Stone, Kaitzgrund, which features artistic sandstone blocks known as Muse stones along the Kaitzbach stream. The Ice Worm Depot is a historic ice cellar with a unique folklore tale.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to these caves?
The Dresden area offers various outdoor activities. You can find many easy hikes around Dresden, such as the 'Discovery Tour to Wolf Hill' or the 'Zschonerbach Trail – Zschoner Mill loop.' For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like 'Family Tour to Radebeul' or 'Along the Elbe to Moritzburg Castle.' Mountain biking trails are also available, including the 'Prießnitzgrund – Dresden Heath loop.' You can explore more options on the easy hikes around Dresden guide, the cycling around Dresden guide, or the MTB Trails around Dresden guide.
Are there any sites related to Dresden's industrial past?
Yes, the Mouth of the Gabe Gottes Erbstolln (Robbers' Cave) is a former silver mine, offering insight into the region's mining history. Additionally, the Dresden Underground – Salt Mine Lockwitz is another site that highlights the area's industrial heritage.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Dresden?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and local folklore, especially at sites like the Ice Worm Depot, which offers a unique story. The historical significance of former mines and tunnels, along with the artistic elements found at places like the Old Shaft Tunnels and Mnemosyne Stone, Kaitzgrund, are also highly valued.
Is there a bunker or former military site among the underground structures?
Yes, the Bunker Entrance in Former Quarry (Dresden) is an inaccessible bunker located in a former quarry. It was set up before 1945 as a bomb-proof command post and now serves as a bat roost.
Are there any specific tips for visiting the Ice Worm Depot?
When visiting the Ice Worm Depot, be aware that there are a few steps to climb. It's particularly recommended as an adventure tour for children due to the humorous tale of the Ice Worm, which is a significant part of its appeal.
What should I know about the 'Gabe Gottes Erbstolln' site?
The Mouth of the Gabe Gottes Erbstolln (Robbers' Cave) in the Zschonergrund was a silver mine established in 1763. You can find interesting information about this historical mining site on an accompanying information board at the location.
Most popular routes around Dresden
Most popular attractions around Dresden
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Dresden:
