Caves around Allschwil are primarily found in the surrounding Basel-Landschaft region, offering diverse geological and historical sites. This area features a landscape characterized by limestone formations and valleys, providing natural shelters and grottoes. Many of these sites hold archaeological significance, with evidence of prehistoric human and animal habitation. The region's caves range from natural karst systems to historically integrated garden grottoes.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Since 1926, the monastery church has borne the papal title of honor of a Basilica minor. Originally built in the late Gothic style, the interior was redesigned several times and furnished and painted in the Neo-Baroque style between 1900 and 1934. The mighty high altar at the end of the choir, a gift from the French King Louis XIV, was consecrated in 1680.
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The Mariastein monastery is considered the second most important pilgrimage site in Switzerland after Einsiedeln. Its origins go back to a legend in which a little boy fell over a high rock face and was then found unharmed by his mother. After he told his father that he had been caught by a woman, the father was sure that it was the Virgin Mary. He had a chapel built in a cave in her honor. The monastery complex can be visited daily, but services are held regularly. More information can be found here: https://www.kloster-mariastein.ch/informationen/agenda/
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Great gorge just outside Basel with a lovely fireplace. In midsummer, when the temperatures in the city are hot, this detour into the cool gorge is particularly worthwhile. Very interesting for children, as it is only a 10-minute walk from the car park.
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The Teufelhof Basel is a hotel in Basel's old town in two historic buildings at Leonhardsgraben 47-49. Parts of the building complex (Leonhardgraben 47) and the cellar (archaeological monument) are listed in the canton of Basel-Stadt's inventory of monuments. The idea behind the operation is to operate independent art and culture as part of a "self-subsidization" of the cultural operation through a parallel hotel and restaurant operation. Due to objections, the permit had to be obtained before the Swiss Federal Court before the opening. After this six-and-a-half-year waiting period, the hotel opened on April 28, 1989. The Teufelhof Basel now employs 70 people. The hotel consists of two buildings, the art hotel and the gallery hotel. The art hotel has eight rooms and one suite, all of which are designed as habitable works of art. The gallery hotel has 20 rooms and four junior suites and is also used as an exhibition space. Nine art rooms were designed by various artists as experiential spatial art. The artists are free to paint directly on the walls or work with materials in the room. The Teufelhof also regularly supports artists with exhibitions or projects of various kinds. The cultural operations include a theater with cabaret performances and satirical programs. The promotion of regional individual artists and groups - from accompanying rehearsals in the in-house theater to premieres in the Teufelhof - also plays an important role in the program planning. The theater is financed by the Teufelhof Basel, but since 2002 has also received a contribution from the two cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft. In addition to the cultural operations in the sense of the theater and the art hotel, the house also houses two restaurants, the gourmet restaurant "Bel Etage" and the restaurant "Atelier". The house also houses a coffee bar, a gallery hotel with changing exhibitions that is offered as a free platform for the artists, a wine shop "falstaff" and a small archaeological museum, embedded in the historic Basel city walls from the 11th and 13th centuries. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teufelhof_Basel
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The Mariastein monastery is, alongside the Einsiedeln monastery, the second most visited pilgrimage site in Switzerland. Thousands of believers and pilgrims from all over the world make a pilgrimage to Mariastein every year to ask Mary for help or to receive her blessing. Of course, the impressive monastery complex and the surrounding lands attract numerous tourists and hikers every year, who bring home a wealth of memories with a suitcase or backpack, but also a full photo or cell phone memory card. A detour to the gift chapel hidden in a rock grotto and the magnificent basilica is particularly recommended. If you visit Mariastein, you should also, if possible, pay a visit to the nearby castle ruins of Château Landskron in Alsace, just a few minutes' walk away.
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The Ermitage is a large and lovingly designed green area from 1785, with three idyllic ponds, several romantic grottos, historical buildings, pretty walking paths between the shore and the edge of the forest and, on top of it all, the castle ruins of Bierseck Castle, as the crowning glory of the whole. It is a wonderful place for physical and mental relaxation, but those seeking peace and quiet should visit outside of the holidays or weekends. It is a real visitor magnet. Warning! The grottos can only be reached on foot and via steep stairs. The rest of the garden is mostly wheelchair accessible and suitable for pushchairs. There are no parking spaces directly at the Ermitage! Free entry!
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Mariastein Abbey is, after Einsiedeln, the second most important place of pilgrimage in Switzerland. It is known for its chapel dedicated to Mary, located in the Grotto, as well as its beautiful Gothic architecture and works of art.
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Fine cookie. "Made with love".
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The region around Allschwil offers a diverse range of caves, from natural karst systems with impressive limestone formations to historically integrated garden grottoes and archaeologically significant shelters. You can find caves with evidence of prehistoric human and animal habitation, as well as those incorporated into romantic landscape designs.
Yes, several caves in the Basel-Landschaft region hold significant historical and archaeological value. For instance, the Schalberg Cave near Pfeffingen has yielded flint tools from the Mousterian period, Ice Age fauna remains, and human bones from the Bronze Age. The caves in the Kaltbrunnen Valley also show evidence of prehistoric hunter-gatherer use, and the Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden features grottoes with Stone Age habitation finds.
The caves in the Basel-Landschaft region showcase various natural wonders. The Bruderloch Cave in Wenslingen is a substantial karst system featuring three large chambers and limestone formations, with spring water emerging in one section. The Kaltbrunnen Valley is known for its 'smoky caves' and creeks that disappear underground before reappearing, set amidst impressive limestone formations.
Absolutely. The Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden is an excellent choice for families, offering picturesque grottoes within a beautiful garden setting. The Cave and rock formations in Chälengrabenschlucht are also considered very interesting for children, with a short walk from the car park. The Kaltbrunnen Valley, with its educational trail and mystical atmosphere, is also popular for families and children to discover caves.
Some caves are more accessible by public transport than others. The Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden is easily reachable by public transport, with Tram 10 to 'Arlesheim Dorf' being a convenient option from Basel SBB. For other locations like Bruderloch Cave or Schalberg Cave, public transport might involve multiple changes and longer travel times, making a car a more direct option.
For those new to caving, the integrated grottoes within the Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden offer a gentle introduction to cave exploration in a controlled environment. The Cave and rock formations in Chälengrabenschlucht also provide accessible natural formations. For a slightly more adventurous but still manageable experience, the Bruderloch Cave has an impressive entrance hall, though some passages may require crawling.
When visiting caves, it's generally advisable to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, as surfaces can be uneven, wet, or slippery. Layers of clothing are recommended as cave temperatures can be consistently cool, even in summer. For more adventurous caves like Bruderloch, you might consider clothes you don't mind getting dirty, especially if crawling is involved.
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities that can be combined with cave visits. For example, the Kaltbrunnen Valley features an educational trail that winds through the area's natural caves and geological formations. You can find various hiking routes around Allschwil, including trails like the 'Allschwil Pond – Forest Grill and Rest Area loop' or the 'Allschwiler Wald – Allschwil Water Tower loop'. Explore more hiking options in the Hiking around Allschwil guide.
Visitors frequently appreciate the unique blend of nature and history. The romantic atmosphere of the Ermitage Arlesheim Landscape Garden, with its integrated grottoes and historic castle, is often highlighted. The sense of adventure in exploring natural karst systems like Bruderloch Cave, and the archaeological insights offered by sites like Schalberg Cave, are also highly valued. Many enjoy the mystical ambiance of places like the Kaltbrunnen Valley.
Beyond cave exploration, the area around Allschwil provides a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, such as the 'Beautiful view – Kappelmatttweg Border Crossing loop', or enjoy touring bicycle routes like the 'Dreiländerbrücke Cycle Path – Rhine Quay loop'. For more options, check out the MTB Trails around Allschwil and Cycling around Allschwil guides.
Yes, the Mariastein Monastery is a significant pilgrimage site known for its chapel dedicated to Mary, which is located within a grotto. It is considered the second most important pilgrimage site in Switzerland after Einsiedeln, offering a unique spiritual and historical experience.
While not a natural cave, the Teufelhof Basel features an archaeological cellar and parts of the old Basel city walls from the 11th and 13th centuries. This site allows visitors to explore a winding walk through medieval city walls and view archaeological finds, offering an insight into the city's history.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Allschwil: