Bären- & Nebelhöhle caves

The Swabian Alb is a limestone reef eroded by water over millions of years. Underground a fascinating world of countless caves exists. The Bärenhöhle ("bear cave") near Sonnenbühl-Erpfingen and the Nebelhöhle ("mist cave") near Sonnenbühl-Erpfingen are illuminated caves well worth a visit for anyone.

Bärenhöhle ("bear cave")

Bone finds indicate that the Bärenhöhle (also: Karlshöhle) was inhabited over 20,000 years ago. Rhinos, cave lions and, of course, also bears took shelter here. The cave was discovered some 50 years ago and opened for visitors. 271 metres of it are accessible.

Above the Bärenhöhle there is the large leisure park "Traumland" (dreamland). This most beautiful amusement park at the exit of the cave provides the right relaxation especially for children after the educational excursion into the world below.

The Bärenhöhle (and Traumland) can be reached via the signposted exit of the L 6767 Engstingen-Haid-Erpfingen.

Contact:
Telephone +49 (0) 71 28 6 35 or 9 25 18
www.sonnenbuehl.de
www.freizeitpark-traumland.de

Opening times (Bärenhöhle):
April to October daily 9am to 5:30pm.
March and November on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 5pm.

Opening times (Traumland):
April to early October daily 9:30am to 6pm,
till early November daily 9:30am to 5pm.

Nebelhöhle

The magnificent Nebelhöhle is described as one of the most beautiful show caves in the Swabian Alb. This fascinating natural display of the subterranean world measures a magnificent 380 metres.

The first written reference to this cave dates back to the year 1486/87, but only in 1517 was the first part of the Nebelhöhle discovered within the borders of Genkingen, and the second, larger part of the cave was discovered in 1920. The cave was made famous by the interest and visit of the Elector Frederick I of Württemberg, which caused an increase in visitor numbers. Today's "Nebelhöhle festival" also dates back to the famous visit on 4 August 1803.

The Nebelhöhle is a very large limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites whose historic importance is given expression in the novel "Lichtenstein" by Wilhelm Hauff. The cave was used by the exiled Duke Ulrich of Württemberg as a hideout and shelter.

Thanks to modern lighting, the geological peculiarity of karst formation is made easily accessible. Grotesque stalactite and stalagmite shapes and mysterious chambers turn this special wonder of nature into an unfortettable experience.

You can reach the Nebelhöhle near Sonnenbühl-Genkingen via the L 230 exit Lichtenstein-Traifelberg - Sonnenbühl-Genkingen.

Contact:
Telephone +49 (0) 71 28 6 05 or 9 25 18
www.sonnenbuehl.de

Opening times (Bärenhöhle):
April to October daily 9am to 5:30pm.
March and November on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 5pm.