Caves around Kiffis are located in a rural commune within the Haut-Rhin department of northeastern France, an area known for its mountainous landscape and limestone formations. While Kiffis features geological subterranean features like caves and sinkholes, they are primarily natural formations rather than developed tourist attractions. Visitors to the region can explore these geological features as part of the area's extensive hiking opportunities and scenic landscapes.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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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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A lovingly furnished grotto for the little dwarves
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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 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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I could no longer see any ruins on this overgrown rock. The narrow path, which seems to be taken from a fairy tale book, leads to Biedertal Castle, but is always worth a visit. Once you arrive at the castle grounds, it is not immediately clear where the path continues. If you want to visit the castle rock cave, the narrow path leads through the buildings and down into the forest. The cave itself exudes a very special atmosphere.
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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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The rocks of the Grotte des Nains form an impressive gorge, approximately 25 meters high. According to legend, the little women of the earth lived here with the Erdmanala (little men of the earth). The gorge gives access to the Plateau des Nains and a beautiful view of the Ill valley.
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The Kiffis region, characterized by its mountainous landscape and limestone formations, features various geological subterranean formations. These include caves formed by underground watercourses, such as the Grotte du Saalhof, and chasms or sinkholes like the Fluhberg Gouffres. You can also find impressive gorges created by erosion in the limestone rock, notably the Dwarves' Grotto.
Most of the caves and geological features directly within Kiffis are natural formations and are not developed as tourist attractions with guided tours or extensive public facilities. They are primarily explored as part of the region's hiking opportunities and scenic landscapes.
The Cave and rock formations in Chälengrabenschlucht is a family-friendly gorge with interesting rock formations. It offers a cool detour, especially in warmer months, and is suitable for children, being only a 10-minute walk from the car park.
You can visit Mariastein Monastery, a significant pilgrimage site. It features a chapel dedicated to Mary, located within a grotto, which is accessed via 59 steps. The corridors leading to the grotto are adorned with memorial plaques.
The Dwarves' Grotto is steeped in local legend. It is said that 'little women of the earth' and 'Erdmanala' (little men of the earth) once inhabited this impressive gorge. These friendly creatures were believed to have eternal youth and lived in small cave houses decorated with silver objects.
Yes, the Kiffis area offers extensive hiking opportunities that allow you to explore its geological formations. You can find various routes, including the Castle Trail, which leads through rugged terrain and offers views of rocky outcrops. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Kiffis guide.
Yes, the rocks of the Dwarves' Grotto form a 25-meter high cliff known for its climbing routes. Some sectors remain dry even during light showers, making it a popular spot for climbers.
Beyond hiking, the region around Kiffis offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes or challenge yourself on MTB trails. These guides provide detailed information on routes suitable for different skill levels.
The Kiffis region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities, including exploring its natural features, during the warmer months. Places like the Cave and rock formations in Chälengrabenschlucht are particularly worthwhile in midsummer for a cool detour.
When exploring the natural caves and gorges, it's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are recommended as temperatures can vary, especially inside gorges or during different seasons. For undeveloped areas, consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight for better visibility.
Visitors frequently appreciate the natural beauty and unique geological formations, such as the impressive gorge at Dwarves' Grotto and the interesting rock formations in Chälengrabenschlucht. The historical significance of sites like Mariastein Monastery also draws considerable interest, alongside the extensive hiking opportunities.


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