Top 14 Caves around the Weser

Surely not even the two mysterious gentlemen themselves would have ever suspected that their stay here would last more than thirty years when they arrived in Hildburghausen on February 7, 1807. That evening, an elegantly dressed couple checked into the English Court Hotel and, from then on, attracted attention with their strange hermit lifestyle. This very conspicuously secluded lifestyle intensified after they moved to the castle in the neighboring village of Einhausen. Above all, no one saw the always-veiled lady. She died in the solitude of Einhausen Castle on November 25, 1837, and was buried—according to her wishes—on Hildburghausen's town hill. Source: https://www.thueringen.info/grab-der-dunkelgraefin.htm If you follow the link, you will see that incorrect images are mistakenly declared as graves. The actual grave (not a cellar hole) is further up and you have to follow the path for another 100 meters.

Very beautiful and beautifully decorated shelter in the immediate vicinity of the Dark Countess's grave.

Surely not even the two mysterious gentlemen themselves would have ever suspected that their stay here would last more than thirty years when they arrived in Hildburghausen on February 7, 1807. That evening, an elegantly dressed couple checked into the English Court Hotel and, from then on, attracted attention with their strangely reclusive lifestyle. This very conspicuously secluded lifestyle intensified after they moved to the castle in the neighboring village of Einhausen. In particular, no one ever saw the always-veiled lady. She died in the solitude of Einhausen Castle on November 25, 1837, and was buried—according to her wishes—on Hildburghausen's town hill. Source: https://www.thueringen.info/grab-der-dunkelgraefin.html

A really worthwhile mine trip by mountain bike to the Merkers potash mine. The tour offers a lot of interesting things and things worth seeing. For example, in the large bunker you can find the largest shovel excavator ever used underground. In the gold room we were also told a lot of interesting facts about the treasures of the German Reichsbank that were stored there during World War II. And the crystal grotto at a depth of 800m is a real feast for the eyes. But the best thing about it were the prevailing temperatures between 21°C and 28°C, even during our visit in December.

The sandstone and fairytale cave is first and foremost a mine where sand was extracted. It is one of the largest caves of its kind and has 2500 columns. Mining in the cave began around the year 1800. The work was very arduous and not lucrative. Often all family members, including children, worked in the cave and yet sand people lived in poor conditions and lived to a maximum age of 40. Huge information boards hang on the cave that tell of the history of the cave, but also of individual fates. Today, visitors can enjoy the sandstone cave and explore it at their own pace. The labyrinth-like path leads up to 50 m below the surface and you do lose your bearings after a while, but the path is well marked off with walls. While in the first third you can still feel the seriousness of this work thanks to some representations and figures, in the last third the diagrams are replaced by lovingly prepared fairytale pictures. Magnificent backdrops have been created underground that you can look at at your leisure. Nevertheless, you will always come across the geological peculiarities and the work of the miners. A brilliant mix for the whole family. You mostly walk bent over, as the ceiling height is only 1.50 m. However, you can often stand upright at the various stations. A jacket is also recommended, as it is only 8 degrees in the cave. The cave visit is rounded off by a mini amusement park, which you can go through for free. The rides are paid for with coins. There are also a few animal enclosures. With homemade cakes and a large selection of food, you can also eat very cheaply and very well here! There is something to eat both directly at the cave and in the mini amusement park below. The selection there is similar. You should plan at least 2 hours for the visit, but longer with children.

The merchant Götz actually only wanted to set up a beautiful mountain garden when he came across this cave. He and his friends investigated the discovered fissure cave and later employed miners from the Ruhr area to develop it further and to cut passages between the crevices and to secure the cracks in the rock. He did not live to see the full expansion, but his widow continued it. The cave is now open to visitors and can be explored on a 40-minute guided tour. Although the cave does not have any outstanding features such as stalactites, it is still worth seeing. The narrow and very high cracks in the rock were created by rock slides towards the Werra valley. The cave is therefore simply an impressive natural spectacle with an interestingly designed guided tour. Unfortunately, the cave has not been able to be explored in the usual way for 3 years now. A landslide in the upper area meant that the upper exit can no longer be used. Instead, you have to struggle up all the stairs and then go back down again straight away. This feels quite bumpy and pointless on the tour... If you decide to visit, you should bring a jacket with you. The temperature in the cave is a constant 8 degrees. The waiting time until the tour is perfect to while away on the terrace, where there are warm dishes and various drinks - all with a wonderful view of Meiningen.

Great for children and adults. On a short circular route (approx. 25-30 minutes) you can take in the beautiful shapes and colors and the children can enjoy the fairy tales shown. It's always 8-10 degrees inside, so don't dress too lightly. The paths have no steps and are easy to walk on. Sometimes it's time to duck your head. Parking is free, entry family ticket (2+2) 20,- Afterwards you can spend time in the restaurant or use the paid play equipment (50 cent coins required). Money exchange machine is on site.

It was still closed but I'll stop by again to take a closer look.