Top 9 Caves around Bernau am Chiemsee
Caves around Bernau am Chiemsee are primarily known for challenging natural formations suitable for experienced cavers. While the immediate vicinity offers demanding caving opportunities, accessible show caves are located in the broader Bavarian region. Bernau a. Chiemsee is situated in Bavaria, a region characterized by its alpine foothills and diverse natural landscapes. The area provides a range of outdoor activities, with its geological features contributing to the presence of various cave types.
Best caves around Bernau am Chiemsee
- The most popular caves is Engelstein, a natural monument that requires a walk of about 15 minutes to reach. It is located near other caves, offering a unique natural experience.
- Another must-see spot is Rock Arch and Cave at the Upper Steinbach, a cave featuring impressive rock formations and a rock gate. This site is created by crumbling rock, forming a unique natural structure.
- Visitors also love Engelstein and Höllloch Cave, a cave that can be reached via a forest track. It offers a combination of caving and scenic views from the nearby summit.
- Bernau a. Chiemsee is known for challenging natural caves and accessible show caves in the wider region. The area offers a variety of underground experiences, from demanding caving to developed tourist attractions.
- The caves around Bernau am Chiemsee are appreciated by the komoot community, with 145 photos and 95 upvotes shared by users.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Engelstein
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Keyhole Cave
Highlight • Cave
The entrance of the keyhole cave is located at 1274 m altitude, behind an artificially created platform is a rather inconspicuous cave entrance with opening to the north in a grassy rocky about 40 m high steep slope.
The total depth measured at that time was 141 m, the total length of the measured corridors at about 1390 m. The largest horizontal extent 210 m, the maximum overlap at approx. 177m.
Through further explorations and research until today, some, so far undocumented corridors and vents could be opened, information can be found u.A. in the documentation (Müchner Cave History II of 2004) of the Munich Caves Association e.V. In 1963, the narrow water-bearing passage below the treasure chamber was followed to another 30 m, the total depth of the cave has since been given as 156 m. Between 1972 and 1975, the cave plan with "new land" in the Stanglschlot, Hexenschlot, Dom im Riesenversturz, Hohe Kluft and Landregenhalle was extended to include previously undocumented cavities.
The name of the cave is derived from the second passage section in the entrance area, whose shape resembles a large keyhole (pressure pipe with erosion channel).
parl-webware.de/hoehle.htm
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Spielberg Cave
Highlight • Cave
The entrance of the Großer Spielberghöhle is at 1341 m altitude, it is with about 1200 m total length, the second largest cave after the keyhole cave and with 180 m the deepest cave in Laubensteingebiet.
The cave has next to the large funnel-shaped main entrance, three more shaft-like partly very narrow Tagöffnungen near the entrance funnel, these are hardly to be found on the surface, as they are well camouflaged by the vegetation and its roots.
A fourth passage, the water passage, forms a weathered inaccessible connection to the central part of the cave - the water passage. A weathered call connection exists to the neighboring small Spielberghöhle.
The character of the cave is divided as follows - in the entrance area labyrinthine multi-storey corridors - partially spacious corridors with several shafts in the middle part - and Great Gorge and giant camber (terminal block "coffin lid") in the lower area.
The cave is quite dry compared to the keyhole cave, only in the water passage and over the dead corridor there are active channels. However, the cave ices in winter relatively far (up to 15 m shaft / upper quarter). During strong thunderstorms, a lot of water can quickly flood the cave for a short time, a water retention could not be observed.
Between 1999 and 2002, two new, previously undocumented corridors were discovered by the "Chiemgau cave bears".
parl-webware.de/hoehlen_mitte.htm
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Engelstein and Höllloch Cave
Highlight (Segment) • Cave
But still very nice
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Rock Arch and Cave at the Upper Steinbach
Highlight • Cave
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Popular around Bernau a. Chiemsee
Lake Constance to Königssee cycle path
Cycling around Bernau am Chiemsee
MTB Trails around Bernau am Chiemsee
Hiking around Bernau am Chiemsee
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Road Cycling Routes around Bernau am Chiemsee
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Tips from the Community
the caves are not signposted anywhere on the trail. However, you can find them easily via komoot. You can enter the small Spielberghöhle for 2 to 3 meters without equipment and cool off a bit 🙂 afterwards it seemed to go steeply down.
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Absolutely great view from up here
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Invites you to explore... not far from Laubensteingatterl
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Pieces of the impressive rock seem to keep crumbling away, creating this cave
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Nice viewing rock, but the summit has to be earned (T4+, II)
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Very nice hiking trail from the Hofalm down to Aschau. Attention: Not accessible in heavy rain ‼️
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According to legend, three wild girls lived in Hölloch on Engelstein: Williberga, Hatzinga and Angela. They had stretched a rope from one peak to the other, on which they danced and sang. They kept a treasure in an iron chest guarded by a snake, which had the key to the chest in its mouth, and a large black dog with fiery eyes. They also owned a black stallion with a white blaze that grazed in the meadows around Pattenberg at night, and a rooster that the farmers heard crowing during the harvest. The young women were not squeamish and are said to have committed some outrages... So be careful 😉
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the caves directly around Bernau a. Chiemsee suitable for beginners or families?
The caves immediately surrounding Bernau a. Chiemsee, such as Keyhole Cave and Spielberg Cave, are natural, undeveloped caves. They require significant caving experience, fitness, and climbing skills, making them unsuitable for beginners or general family visits. These are not show caves.
What kind of experience is required for caving near Bernau a. Chiemsee?
Caving in the immediate Bernau a. Chiemsee area, particularly in caves like Keyhole Cave and Spielberg Cave, demands great experience, fitness, and climbing skills. These are challenging natural environments without developed paths or lighting.
Are there any accessible show caves or underground experiences in the wider Bavarian region?
Yes, for accessible and guided underground experiences, you'll need to travel further from Bernau a. Chiemsee. The Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden (Berchtesgaden Salt Mine), about 68 km away, offers unique tours with mining trains and underground lake rides. Other notable show caves in Bavaria include König-Otto-Tropfsteinhöhle, Teufelshöhle near Pottenstein, Sophienhöhle near Rabenstein, and Binghöhle near Streitberg, though these are typically several hours' drive north.
What are some notable natural cave formations directly around Bernau a. Chiemsee?
Around Bernau a. Chiemsee, you can find natural formations like Engelstein, a natural monument requiring a 15-minute walk. Another unique spot is the Rock Arch and Cave at the Upper Steinbach, known for impressive rock formations and a natural rock gate formed by crumbling rock.
Can I visit <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/281598" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Engelstein and Höllloch Cave</a>?
Yes, Engelstein and Höllloch Cave can be reached via a forest track. It offers a combination of caving exploration and scenic views from the nearby summit. It's accessible by mountain bike via Strass or Kohlstadt, with the final meters on foot.
Where can I find an accessible salt mine experience in Bavaria?
The Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden is an excellent option. Located about 68 kilometers from Bernau a. Chiemsee, this historic salt mine has been open to visitors for over 170 years. Tours include riding a mining train, sliding down wooden slides, and a raft ride across an underground salt lake, making it engaging for all ages.
Are there other impressive stalactite caves in Bavaria worth visiting?
Yes, in the wider Bavarian region, particularly in Franconian Switzerland and the Upper Palatinate, you can find several impressive stalactite caves. The König-Otto-Tropfsteinhöhle near Velburg is considered one of Germany's most beautiful, featuring stalagnates and water-filled sinter basins. The Sophienhöhle near Rabenstein is also known for its fantastic stalactite formations and a unique cave bear skeleton.
What other outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the Bernau a. Chiemsee area?
The Bernau a. Chiemsee region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including routes with views of Chiemsee and the Seiseralm. There are also many cycling routes, such as the Chiemsee circular route, and running trails like the Haas Trail or Hitzelsberg Loop Trail.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural caves around Bernau a. Chiemsee?
Visitors appreciate the raw, natural experience of these undeveloped caves. For instance, the Rock Arch and Cave at the Upper Steinbach is admired for its impressive rock formations. The Engelstein is noted for its unique natural monument status and the scenic walk required to reach it.
Are there any specific tips for visiting the natural caves in the area?
For natural caves like Keyhole Cave and Spielberg Cave, be aware that they are not show caves and require specialized gear and skills. For Engelstein, remember to lock your bike if you cycle part of the way, as there's a bike ban in the immediate vicinity of the caves. Parking can be challenging, so consider parking at locations like Kalkofen or Kohlstatt and walking up.
What geological features characterize the caves near Bernau a. Chiemsee?
The caves in the Bernau a. Chiemsee area are primarily karst caves, formed in soluble rock like limestone. They feature complex systems of corridors, shafts, and chambers. For example, Keyhole Cave is named for a passage resembling a large keyhole, a pressure pipe with an erosion channel. Spielberg Cave has labyrinthine multi-storey corridors and spacious sections with shafts.
Is it possible to explore these caves in winter?
Natural caves like Spielberg Cave can ice up significantly in winter, sometimes up to 15 meters into shafts. This can make exploration more challenging and potentially hazardous. Always check conditions and ensure you have appropriate experience and gear for winter caving.
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