Caves around Löbichau are found within the broader region of Thuringia, an area known for its varied landscape and historical significance. While the municipality of Löbichau itself does not contain notable natural caves, the surrounding areas feature several underground sites. These locations offer a glimpse into historical uses, from storage facilities to former mining operations. The region's geology supports both natural formations and man-made subterranean structures.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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Mysterious Passages What to do with 1.4 million liters? That's how much beer was allowed to be brewed annually in Gera in the 17th century. As in other cities, the city's citizens – provided they owned a home – had the right to brew beer. Suitable rock cellars for storage did not exist in the surrounding area, so the resourceful citizens dug underground. Gera's beer storage facilities, known as Höhler (caves), were primarily built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The cellars, up to ten meters deep, spread out beneath Gera's old town like an underground labyrinth. More than 200 Höhler (caves) were built over the centuries, crisscrossing, stacked, and sometimes even abutting one another. Consistent temperatures of 12 to 13 degrees Celsius (54 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit) guaranteed refreshing beer enjoyment even in summer. From Coal Cellar to Tourist Attraction With the founding of the German Empire in 1871, the citizens' old private brewing rights expired, and the caves gradually fell into oblivion. Some were used as storage rooms, others filled in. In 1935, the caves were precisely surveyed and recorded for the first time. A completely new use was planned for the former beer cellars: in the event of war, they were to serve the people of Gera as underground shelters during air raids. In the 1980s, these extraordinary buildings slowly returned to public attention. Ten caves were connected by wall openings between 1986 and 1989 and have since been open to guided tours. The depiction of the various uses – as beer storage, later as coal cellars, waste dumps, or air-raid shelters – brings the history of the caves to life, and you can also discover the first natural stalactites in the centuries-old passages. https://www.gera.de/tourismus-freizeit-kultur/museen/historische-geraer-hoehler
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You've probably moved. Today, the hyenas are in the boardrooms.😁
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Beneath the old town of Gera there is a labyrinth of underground passages that lie up to ten metres below ground.
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The Gera Caves are artificially created cavities (deep cellars) under the actual utility cellars of the houses in the old town of Gera, which were previously used to store beer.
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Stolln 2 is also in the immediate vicinity.
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There is also a beautiful spa park with lots of seating options.
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There was a hyena den here until 1876.
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The Gera caves are always worth a visit. The cave festival takes place every year and the caves can be visited with or without a guide
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The caves around Löbichau are primarily historical, man-made structures rather than natural geological formations. Many are former storage cellars, mining tunnels, or artificial grottoes. For example, the Gera Höhler Cellars are an extensive system of underground beer storage cellars, while the Bergkeller Stolln 1 Ronneburg and Stangenkeller Strolin 1 are historical mining tunnels.
No, there are no notable natural caves directly within the municipality of Löbichau itself. The caves listed in this guide are predominantly man-made historical sites. While natural sandstone caves exist in broader surrounding regions like Landkreis Coburg and the Thuringian Forest, these are not located in Löbichau.
Yes, the Gera Höhler Cellars are categorized as family-friendly. They offer a unique historical experience with guided tours that can be engaging for various age groups, providing insight into the region's past.
Many of the caves near Löbichau offer a glimpse into the region's industrial and cultural history. The Gera Höhler Cellars, for instance, were historically used for beer storage. The Bergkeller Stolln 1 Ronneburg and Stangenkeller Strolin 1 are former mining tunnels, reflecting the area's mining heritage. The Lindenthal Hyena Cave even has a unique historical note about its past inhabitants.
The historical, man-made caves in the Löbichau area can generally be visited year-round. Their underground nature means temperatures remain relatively constant, making them a good option even during colder months. However, it's always advisable to check the specific opening hours and tour availability for each site, especially outside of peak season.
As these are underground environments, the temperature inside caves is typically cooler than outside, even in summer. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a light jacket or sweater, regardless of the season. Some areas might be damp or have uneven surfaces.
Yes, guided tours are available for the Gera Höhler Cellars. These tours provide in-depth information about the history and function of the extensive cellar system, enhancing the visitor experience. It's recommended to book in advance.
The region around Löbichau offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy and moderate trails. For example, explore routes like the 'Tannenfeld Castle and Park loop' or the 'Löbichau Castle loop' from the Hikes from bus stations around Löbichau guide or the Easy hikes around Löbichau guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the 'Köstritzer Schwarzbier Brewery – Ronneburg Bathing Pond loop' available in the MTB Trails around Löbichau guide.
Visitors frequently highlight the unique historical experience of exploring the extensive underground network of the Gera Höhler Cellars. The guided tours are often praised for being informative and engaging, offering a fascinating look into how these cellars were used for beer storage in the past. The opportunity to purchase original 'Hoeler beer' is also a popular feature.
Yes, the region is rich in history. The Etolina Stolln is another historical mining site. Additionally, many of the nearby hiking routes, such as those around Tannenfeld Castle or Löbichau Castle, often pass by other historical landmarks and offer insights into the local heritage.


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