Best caves around Oberharmersbach are primarily historical mining tunnels and show mines, reflecting the region's industrial past. Located in the Black Forest, Oberharmersbach is characterized by its forested hills and valleys. The area offers insights into historical resource extraction and local geology. These sites provide a factual look at the history of mining in the Black Forest.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
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Hiking around Oberharmersbach
Old tunnel on the side of the road
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Old mine tunnels on the side of the road
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Experience applies to the short tour (1.5 hours) in the pit, although it is only 11°C, you can also enter it with shorts. As for footwear, hiking boots are also sufficient, which you can clean at a fountain at the end 👍
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According to written sources, mining had been carried out in the Black Forest since at least the 10th century and only came to a standstill in the 19th century or in some areas in the 1950s, i. H. The centuries of mining have often destroyed, removed or in most cases buried the older traces (heaves, pits, tunnels and shafts, heaps, water features, stamp mills, etc.). Since the forms of operation, including the work on site, have remained the same for centuries, the mining relics themselves hardly allow any chronological statements.
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Beautiful hiking area. Great infrastructure for hikers and mountain bikers. The Black Forest and in particular the Ortenau district are very varied. Since I don't take a photo of every bench or bush along the way, I'll include a photo collage of my photos from the region.
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The Wenzel mine is a very interesting visitor center, which gives interesting impressions of historical mining in the Black Forest. It was one of the silver-richest mines in the Black Forest. Silver has been mined in the mine since the beginning of the 14th century. The heyday of the silver mine was in the second half of the 18th century. In 1823 mining came to a complete standstill. The pit was prepared for visitors between 1997 and 2001 by volunteers. In 2001 the work was finished and it was opened to visitors as a visitor mine. The generally accessible area of the pit can be "driven on" over a distance of about 1000 meters. Duration about 1.5 hours. All visitors are equipped with boots, jackets, helmets and head torches. https://grube-wenzel.de/317373.html https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/attraktionen/besucherbergwerk-grube-wenzel-in-oberwolfach-614fc5ac25 https://www.nationalparkregion-schwarzwald.de/Media/Attraktionen/Besucherbergwerk-Grube-Wenzel-in-Oberwolfach#/article/f50259e8-203d-4ba1-8dad-efd98d6433d4
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Unfortunately I didn't take a photo, but read the sign. Very interesting what came to light here.
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The caves around Oberharmersbach are primarily historical mining tunnels and show mines, reflecting the region's industrial past. These include sites like Segen Gottes Silver Mine and Grube Wenzel Show Mine. Additionally, the area features smaller religious grottos and rock formations, such as the Lourdes Grotto.
While Oberharmersbach is not known for extensive natural cave systems, there are several notable grottos. The most prominent is the Lourdes Grotto, a replica of the Marian apparition site, which serves as a peaceful and historical landmark. Other smaller sites include the Stone Caves on the Felsenpfad and the Marian Grotto at Hutstülpen.
The caves, particularly the mining tunnels, are significant for their connection to the Black Forest's mining history. Sites like Segen Gottes Silver Mine, first mentioned in the 13th century, and Grube Wenzel Show Mine, where silver was mined since the 14th century, offer insights into medieval resource extraction. The Lourdes Grotto also holds historical importance as a war memorial built in 1926.
No, not all caves are accessible for entry. Show mines like Segen Gottes Silver Mine and Grube Wenzel Show Mine offer guided tours. However, sites like the Barite mining tunnel near Eckhof and St. Barbara Mine have latticed or blocked entrances, allowing visitors to view inside but not enter.
At Grube Wenzel Show Mine, you can experience historical mining firsthand. The accessible area extends for about 1000 meters, with tours lasting approximately 1.5 hours. All visitors are equipped with boots, jackets, helmets, and head torches. The mine maintains a cool temperature of about 11°C inside.
Yes, the Lourdes Grotto is a unique cultural and spiritual landmark. It's a peaceful place for reflection, significant as a war memorial, and connects to the famous pilgrimage site in France. The grotto, constructed from locally mined barite, is privately owned and well-maintained.
Yes, show mines like Grube Wenzel Show Mine offer an educational and engaging experience for families. The guided tours, where visitors are equipped with mining gear, provide a hands-on look at the region's mining history in a safe environment.
When visiting show mines like Grube Wenzel Show Mine, you will be provided with boots, jackets, helmets, and head torches. The mine's interior is consistently cool, around 11°C, so even if you wear shorts, a jacket is essential. Hiking boots are generally sufficient for footwear.
The Oberharmersbach region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including the 'Harmersbacher Vesperweg Premium Trail' or routes around 'Kreuzsattel Hut'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are options for gravel biking and road cycling, with routes like the 'Gengenbach Old Town loop' or 'Brandenkopf Tower loop'.
Generally, no special permits are required for visiting the publicly accessible show mines or grottos. However, for show mines like Grube Wenzel Show Mine, guided tours are offered, and it's advisable to check their specific entry requirements or booking procedures in advance.
The show mines maintain a consistent cool temperature year-round, making them suitable for visits in any season. The grottos and external cave formations can be visited throughout the year, though spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for combining your visit with hiking in the surrounding Black Forest landscape.
You can find additional information about the Lourdes Grotto in Oberharmersbach on the Schwarzwald Tourism website: schwarzwald-tourismus.info.


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