Top 16 Caves around Harsdorf
Best caves around Harsdorf are primarily historical mining sites and man-made rock structures, reflecting the region's industrial past and unique geological features. Harsdorf is situated in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, an area known for its diverse landscapes. The local "caves" offer insights into historical gold mining and traditional storage methods. These sites provide a blend of natural rock formations and human engineering.
Best caves around Harsdorf
- The most popular caves is Mittlerer Name Gottes Mine (show mine), a historical site that was reopened in 1993 and is accessible for tours. This visitor mine leads up to 200 meters deep into the Goldberg, showcasing mining equipment and historical operations.
- Another must-see spot is Schmutzlerzeche Visitor Mine, a historical site with a 35-meter-deep accessible tunnel. This mine, first mentioned around 1400, reveals a gold-bearing quartz vein and the arduous work of miners, having been open to visitors since 1985.
- Visitors also love Rock Cellar Alley, an area featuring old rock cellars. These historical structures offer a glimpse into traditional storage practices, with tours into the cellars available periodically.
- Harsdorf is known for historical mines, rock cellars, and natural rock shelters. These sites offer a variety of experiences, from exploring old mining tunnels to observing unique rock formations.
- The caves around Harsdorf are appreciated by the komoot community, with 5 highlights featuring 47 photos and receiving 53 upvotes from users.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Schmutzlerzeche Visitor Mine
Highlight • Historical Site
The mine was first mentioned by name around 1400. It is assumed that over 500 miners worked here at that time. The heyday of local gold mining was between 1430 and 1470. The outbreak of the Thirty Years' War brought gold mining to a complete standstill.
Mining resumed in 1662 after a long hiatus. This is also thanks to Alexander von Humboldt, who revived mining in 1792.
From 1907 onward, a mining company attempted to continue gold mining using modern methods. Around 1920, this evolved into the Fichtelgold Mining Company. The analysis of the gold-bearing quartz-antimony-arsenic ore veins revealed a content of 35 grams of gold and 22 grams of silver per ton of raw ore. Mining ceased in 1925 for financial reasons.
The Schmutzler Mine has been open to visitors since 1985.
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Mittlerer Name Gottes Mine (show mine)
Highlight • Historical Site
The starting point is the Goldberg information center in the Brandholz district.
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Spring houses on the Rehberg
Highlight • Structure
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Rock Cellar Alley
Highlight • Structure
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Rock roof with waterfall
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
A lovely spot, even if you're there outside of opening hours. Thanks to the gate, you can see the beginning of the tunnel. There are benches, a fountain, a hut, and a gold panning area all around.
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https://www.qr-tour.de/portfolio/34-felsenkeller/ Tours into the cellars take place from time to time,
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https://www.goldkronach.de/seite/508457/besucherstollen,-goldwaschen.html Free parking is available at the information center.
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The residents of Rehberg had to fetch their drinking water from this well using water butts year in, year out.
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The inhabitants of the Rehberg had to endure great difficulties to obtain drinking water. At any time of year they had to make the arduous journey to the well with buckets on their backs in order to draw water for their daily use.
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Cave is probably saying a bit too much, but it is a really impressive rock roof with a small waterfall running over it. Great, I don't know that yet.
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Not far from there is the information house, which is open during the season.
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The visitor mine "Middle Name of God" south of Brandholz can be visited with a shaft house and a replica roasting oven on the Goldberg. The tour takes place with mining equipment. The historical mine was only reopened in June 1993 and made accessible to visitors. With mining guidance, it is currently passable up to 125 meters, the length of the tunnel totals about 400 meters. The mining areas inside the mountain connect two further tunnels at a distance of 30 meters. The last period of operation dates from around 1750, the first dismantling is estimated around 1500. The starting point is the Goldberg information center in the Brandholz district.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of 'caves' can I expect to find around Harsdorf?
The 'caves' around Harsdorf are primarily historical mining sites and man-made rock structures, reflecting the region's industrial past. These include old gold mines, traditional rock cellars, and natural rock shelters, rather than large natural cave systems.
Are there any historical mines I can visit near Harsdorf?
Yes, you can visit the Mittlerer Name Gottes Mine (show mine), a historical gold mine reopened in 1993, offering tours up to 200 meters deep. Another option is the Schmutzlerzeche Visitor Mine, which features a 35-meter-deep accessible tunnel revealing a gold-bearing quartz vein and the arduous work of miners.
What are the Rock Cellar Alley and Spring houses on the Rehberg?
The Rock Cellar Alley features old rock cellars that offer a glimpse into traditional storage practices, with tours available periodically. The Spring houses on the Rehberg are historical man-made structures that were essential for the inhabitants of Rehberg to obtain drinking water.
Are there any natural rock formations or shelters to explore?
Yes, you can find the Rock roof with waterfall, which is an impressive natural rock shelter. In winter, a small waterfall runs over it, creating a unique natural feature.
When is the best time to visit the mines around Harsdorf?
The Mittlerer Name Gottes Mine is generally open from May to mid-October. The tunnels are closed at other times of the year to protect bats. It's always a good idea to check their official website for current opening times and tour schedules.
Are the mines around Harsdorf suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Mittlerer Name Gottes Mine is considered family-friendly, offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages with its guided tours and mining equipment displays.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves and mines in Harsdorf?
The Harsdorf region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous MTB Trails, enjoy Running Trails, or go Cycling. Popular routes include the Schiefe Ebene Railway Incline loop for MTB, the Trebgast Lake Kiosk loop for running, and the Main River in Upper Franconia loop for cycling.
Are there any natural stalactite caves in the wider Upper Franconia region, even if not directly in Harsdorf?
While Harsdorf itself features historical mines, the broader Upper Franconia region in Bavaria is home to impressive natural stalactite caves. Notable examples include the König-Otto-Tropfsteinhöhle, Sophienhöhle near Rabenstein Castle, Binghöhle, and Teufelshöhle near Pottenstein, all known for their stunning geological formations.
What should I wear when visiting the mines?
It's advisable to wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket, as temperatures inside the mines can be cooler than outside, even in summer.
Where can I buy tickets for the mine tours?
For the Mittlerer Name Gottes Mine, tickets can be purchased at the information center in the Brandholz district, which also serves as the starting point for tours.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Harsdorf 'caves'?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of history and geology. They enjoy exploring the old mining tunnels, learning about the region's gold mining past, and seeing the traditional rock cellars. The natural rock shelters also offer a peaceful experience.
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