Top 5 Caves around Sommeri

The primary cave attractions near Sommeri are centered around the Hohlenstein area. You can visit the Viewing platform, which offers views of the Hohlenstein cliff and the caves below. Access to the Hohlenstein caves is available via the Cave entrance at the top, leading to both the Hohlenstein Cave (left, west) and the Hohlenstein cave and climbing crag (right/east). Additionally, the impressive Chatzestaager Rock, a 15-million-year-old natural monument with a half-cave, is worth seeing from the western side of the Thur river.

Yes, the Viewing platform at Hohlenstein is considered family-friendly, offering a beautiful panorama and a barbecue area. The Hohlenstein Cave (left, west) is also noted by visitors as being great for children, though bringing a flashlight is recommended for exploring its huge interior.

The caves in the Thurgau canton, including those near Sommeri, are notable for their geological significance. They often feature formations in Nagelfluh (a type of conglomerate rock) and older Knauersandstein and Marl layers, dating back approximately 13 million years. The Chatzestaager Rock, for instance, is an impressive 15-million-year-old formation with a half-cave.

The Bruderloch Caves are a notable natural cave system located near Schönholzerswilen in the canton of Thurgau, which is the same canton as Sommeri. While not directly in Sommeri, they are a significant regional attraction offering a blend of natural geological features and intriguing local history. They are known for their geological layers and a past rich in folklore and cultural events.

The Bruderloch Caves have a rich historical and cultural past. Before the 19th century, they were known as "Heidenhöhle" (heathen cave), suggesting pre-Christian use. Archaeological findings indicate pickaxe marks from the post-Roman era. From the 17th to the late 19th century, the Bruderloch was a vibrant site for spring festivals, featuring dancing, singing, market activities, and food. Local legends also speak of a hermit who found refuge there.

Yes, the area around Sommeri offers various hiking opportunities. The path to the Cave entrance at the top, which leads to the Hohlenstein caves, can be challenging with some rope-secured sections. For more general hiking, you can explore the many Running Trails around Sommeri, which include routes like the Hellmühliweiher loop or trails near Hagenwil Moated Castle.

Beyond exploring the caves, the region around Sommeri provides diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous Road Cycling Routes, such as loops offering views of Reichenau Island or Lake Constance. For off-road adventures, there are also Gravel biking routes that take you through the scenic Thurgau countryside.

Visitors particularly enjoy the panoramic views from the Viewing platform, which also features benches and a barbecue area for breaks. The excitement of exploring the "huge caves" like the Hohlenstein Cave (left, west) and the unique experience of the Hohlenstein cave and climbing crag (right/east) are also highly appreciated.

Yes, the Viewing platform in the Felsenholz forest, directly on the Hohlenstein cliff, is equipped with benches and a barbecue area, making it an ideal spot for a break or a picnic. The Bruderloch area near Schönholzerswilen also features a barbecue area in the forest above the caves.

Yes, the Hohlenstein cave and climbing crag (right/east) offers a rock climbing wall for those interested in climbing. The area around the Hohlenstein caves is known for its climbing spots.

Access to the Hohlenstein caves, particularly via the Cave entrance at the top, can be challenging. The path is not always easy and some sections are secured with ropes. It's recommended to be sure-footed, and bringing a flashlight is advisable for exploring the cave interiors.

The impressive Chatzestaager Rock with its half-cave is best viewed from the western side of the Thur river, near a pebble beach. It is not easily visible from the Chatzensteig stairs.