Top 4 Caves around Seelze

The Bärenhöhle forest inn is idyllically situated in the Deister hills near Egestorf (Barsinghausen) and is a popular destination for hikers and day-trippers. Surrounded by ancient beech trees, it offers a cozy atmosphere with a rustic dining room, a conservatory, and a large beer garden nestled in the greenery. The kitchen combines regional and seasonal dishes – from game and asparagus specialties to the popular schnitzel day. Breakfast is served in the mornings, and on weekends a generous buffet featuring regional products and homemade jams is offered. Thanks to its proximity to the Egestorf S-Bahn station, the Bärenhöhle is easily accessible and perfect for a break after a hike. Whether for a family outing, a celebration, or a casual get-together – here, good food meets genuine Deister idyll.

The grotto was reinstalled by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle. A fascinating discovery of her art, which she unfortunately never saw completed.

Named after the farm owner Giesecke. "It earned its name in the presence of a minister who was present to settle a dispute by approaching the minister from among those present and giving all the necessary information about the regulation. This resulted in the minister immediately agreeing to the proposals." The tunnel was opened in 1845 and operated until 1875. In 1864, 21,800 tonnes of coal were produced. A railway line was built from the tunnel entrance in 1860, which took the coal to Rehrbrinkstrasse. The line was in operation until 1896. Today, not much of this factory can be seen, but in the seating grotto you can meditate a little on the meaning of life, like the miners did back then. Source: https://www.barsinghausen.de/regional/touren/erlebnistour-2-bullerbachtal-903000002-20002.html?title=erlebnistour+2+-+Bullerbachtal

Don't forget. Definitely go in. We almost ran past.

If Hanover, then also Herrenhausen Gardens, and then of course this, quite unique grotto.

She is the creator of the world-famous Nanas and Hanover's first and, so far, only honorary citizen. Niki de Saint Phalle and Hanover enjoyed a friendship spanning over 30 years: Niki de Saint Phalle – born on October 29, 1930, in Paris, died on May 21, 2002, in San Diego. The world-renowned artist most recently expressed her affection for the city on the Leine River in a single sentence in the fall of 2000: "I have a very special feeling for Hanover," said the then 70-year-old. Niki de Saint Phalle achieved her artistic breakthrough in the 1950s with her participation in exhibitions by the international group "Nouveaux Réalistes." In the following decades, in addition to her films "Daddy" and "Camélia et le Dragon" and exhibitions in all major museums around the world, numerous extraordinary art projects garnered considerable attention: for example, the giant Nana "Hon - en katedral" for the Moderna Museet in Stockholm (1966), the "Paradies Fantastique" for the French EXPO Pavilion in Montreal (1967), which she designed together with her long-time partner Jean Tinguely, the "Golem" monster house with slides in Jerusalem (1972), and the "Giardino dei Tarocchi" in Tuscany, which was based on an idea from 1974 and finally completed in 1996. The installation of the three colorful, voluminous polyester Nanas on the banks of the Leine River in Hanover in 1974 sparked storms of protest among some Hanoverians, but also sparked a lively and profound discussion—the first of its kind—about art in public street space. The Nanas, which quickly became landmarks of the EXPO city, are now beloved. Niki de Saint Phalle worked on the redesign of the grotto for Hanover since 1998. The honorary citizen of the city of Hanover died one year before the completion of the impressive grotto in the Great Garden. The detailed plans she drew up and the wealth of information provided by her staff made its completion (in) the (redesigned) grotto possible. The grotto in Herrenhausen is thus the last major art project that Niki de Saint Phalle completed before her death. Source: https://www.hannover.de/Herrenhausen/Herrenh%C3%A4user-G%C3%A4rten/Grotte/Niki-de-Saint-Phalle

The grotto was built in 1676. Its three rooms, originally decorated with shells, crystals, glass, and minerals, served as a place of enchantment and a cool retreat from the heat. However, the decorations were removed in the 18th century, and the building subsequently served as a storage room for a long time. https://www.hannover.de/Herrenhausen/Herrenhäuser-Gärten/Grotte/Die-Entstehung-des-Kunstwerks Since 1998, Niki de Saint Phalle worked on the redesign of the grotto for Hanover. The honorary citizen of the city of Hanover died one year before the completion of the impressive grotto in the Great Garden. The detailed plans she produced and the extensive information provided by her staff made its completion (in) the (redesigned) grotto possible. The grotto in Herrenhausen is thus the last major art project that Niki de Saint Phalle completed before her death. https://www.hannover.de/Herrenhausen/Herrenhäuser-Gärten/Grotte/Niki-de-Saint-Phalle

The ice cellar under the Lindener Berg - freshly brewed beer was stored here until the 1930s. During World War II it offered protection against air raids. Today it is privately owned and can only be visited with a guide.