Top 20 Caves around Reidenhausen
Best caves around Reidenhausen are found within the Cochem-Zell district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. While Reidenhausen itself is a small municipality, the surrounding region offers diverse underground attractions. The area is characterized by its geological formations and historical mining significance. These sites provide insights into the region's natural history and past industries.
Best caves around Reidenhausen
- The most popular caves is Altlay Slate Mine and Hitzelbach Stream, a historical slate mine that highlights the long tradition of mining in Altlay. This site showcases the arduous process of extracting roofing slate and features small bridges over the Hitzelbach stream.
- Another must-see spot is Slate Mining Tunnels on Strimmiger Berg, historical mining tunnels. These tunnels were manually driven into the mountain for slate extraction, a laborious and dangerous job, and now serve as wintering protection for bats.
- Visitors also love Katzenloch Slate Mine, a former slate mine. This pit was operational for a short period between 1921 and 1924, featuring a tunnel about 100m long with branches.
- Reidenhausen is known for historical slate mines and mining tunnels. These sites offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past and geological features.
- The caves around Reidenhausen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and 80 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 30, 2026
Katzenloch Slate Mine
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The tunnel was about 100m long, with a branch 50m to the right and 25m to the left. In 1965 a school class explored and mapped the tunnel.
There is a large, rustic picnic bench along the way.
A bridge leads over the Wohnrother Bach, which uses a twin trunk as a pillar.
On the opposite side in the district of Wohnroth there is a previously abandoned slate mine "unterm Uhligkopf", which Komoot has thrown together with this in the Buch district.
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Slate Mining Tunnels on Strimmiger Berg
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Altlay Slate Mine and Hitzelbach Stream
Highlight • Cave
Mining has a long tradition in Altlay. In addition to agriculture, it served as a second pillar for earning a living. In addition to the mining of ores such as lead, copper and zinc, mainly slate was mined mainly for the extraction of roofing slate. In most cases this was done in small working groups of two or three families who leased the mining rights for certain areas from the municipality. The work was very arduous because of the modern equipment; as they are used today, were not available. It was entirely manual work, from driving the tunnels into the mountain to mining the slate blocks. The slate blocks were transported out of the tunnels on a narrow rock railway track with carts to be processed into roofing slate in the Spalthütte. In addition to the family businesses, there was a large amount of slate quarrying in the Hahn community. This was operated by the Rathscheck company from Mayen. This mine was shut down around 1952. There is now slate quarrying again in Altlay. The Theis-Böger company from Bundenbach extracts roofing slate from underground mining in the Giaselrech district. Contrary to the manual work in previous years, almost everything is done with modern machines. Source: Text information board
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The Altlayer "Schießkeller"
Highlight • Historical Site
Shortly before the end of World War II, work began on driving a tunnel into the mountain at this point. It was supposed to serve the inhabitants of Altlay as a kind of air raid shelter in the event of possible air raids. Because the war ended quickly, it was no longer completed. In 1958, the Reinhard Weber company rebuilt the tunnel so that explosives could be stored in it. At that time, the Weber company was busy building forest paths, which often required blasting due to the rocky material. As you can see on the inscription on the second door, quite a large amount of explosive material could be stored in the tunnel. Up until the mid-1970s, the Weber company was still storing explosives here. After that the tunnel, also known as the “shooting cellar” in Altlayer parlance, was not used for a long time. It was not until 1985 that the Udo and Hermann Fuchs brothers from Altlay stored material for blasting again in the tunnel. At that time, the Fuchs brothers put the Mosella Il slate quarry back into operation in the Hahn district after a period of rest for 35 years. Unfortunately, the productivity was only low, so that on May 30th, 1990 operations were stopped again. Since then, no more explosive material has been stored in the Altlayer shooting cellar. Source: Text information board
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Slate mining
Highlight • Historical Site
Mining has a long tradition in Altlay. In addition to agriculture, it served as a second pillar for earning a living. In addition to the mining of ores such as lead, copper and zinc, mainly slate was mined mainly for the extraction of roofing slate. In most cases this was done in small working groups of two or three families who leased the mining rights for certain areas from the municipality. The work was very arduous because of the modern equipment; as they are used today, were not available. It was entirely manual work, from driving the tunnels into the mountain to mining the slate blocks. The slate blocks were transported out of the tunnels on a narrow rock railway track with carts to be processed into roofing slate in the Spalthütte. In addition to the family businesses, there was a large amount of slate quarrying in the Hahn community. This was operated by the Rathscheck company from Mayen. This mine was shut down around 1952. There is now slate quarrying again in Altlay. The Theis-Böger company from Bundenbach extracts roofing slate from underground mining in the Giaselrech district. Contrary to the manual work in previous years, almost everything is done with modern machines. Source: Text information board
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Tips from the Community
There's always something new to discover here
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Historically interesting, sure, but it's just a "dark hole."
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Construction began at the end of World War II and was intended to serve as an air raid shelter. After the war, explosives were stored here. May 30, 2019.
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A beautiful spot... nature 🌳🍄🟫
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Mining has shaped the village of Altlay and its residents and given the village its name Altlay. In local dialect, a lay is a roofing slate. Anyone who visits the narrow stream valleys around Altlay will not fail to notice striking evidence of mining here and there. Here, at every turn, you come across the remains of what was once a fairly extensive, predominantly small-scale roofing slate mining operation. Slate is still mined in Altlay today. Source: https://www.tourenplaner-rheinland-pfalz.de/de/punkt/bergwerk/altlayer-schiefergrube/2798106/
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Again and again you come across evidence of slate mining
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I didn't try to go in.
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There is also a rest stop directly at the slate quarry
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore around Reidenhausen?
The region around Reidenhausen, particularly within the Cochem-Zell district, is known for its historical slate mines and mining tunnels. These sites offer a glimpse into the area's industrial past and geological features. Examples include the Altlay Slate Mine and Hitzelbach Stream and the Katzenloch Slate Mine.
Are there any natural caves or grottoes in the wider Rhineland-Palatinate region?
Yes, beyond the mining tunnels, the broader Rhineland-Palatinate region features natural geological wonders. The Elfengrotte (Käsegrotte) near Bad Bertrich is a unique natural monument formed by ancient basalt lava flows, known for its rock formations resembling stacked cheese wheels. The Genoveva Cave near Kordel is a large, shell-shaped sandstone cave steeped in local legend.
What historical significance do the caves around Reidenhausen hold?
Many caves in the Reidenhausen area are former slate mines, highlighting a long tradition of mining. For instance, the Slate Mining Tunnels on Strimmiger Berg were manually driven into the mountain for slate extraction, a laborious and dangerous job. These tunnels also served as air-raid shelters during wartime and now provide wintering protection for bats.
Are there any family-friendly cave experiences near Reidenhausen?
While the slate mines offer historical insights, for a more family-oriented natural cave experience, the Elfengrotte (Käsegrotte) near Bad Bertrich is easily accessible via hiking trails, including the 2.4 km 'HeimatSpur Trail Elf Grotto,' making it a popular destination for families. Its unique basalt formations and the adjacent Elbesbach waterfall add to the scenic appeal.
What are the Mendig Lava Cellars and what can I experience there?
The Mendig Lava Cellars are extensive underground labyrinths created by the mining of basalt for millstones, dating back to Roman times. These 32-meter-deep halls were later used for beer storage due to their constant cool temperatures. Visitors can explore these cathedral-like halls on a guided tour, learning about the region's volcanic history and traditional brewing. They are part of the 'Vulkan Dome' experience.
Can I visit the Genoveva Cave near Kordel?
Yes, the Genoveva Cave near Kordel is accessible to hikers via popular trails such as the Eifelsteig and Römerpfad. This large, shell-shaped sandstone cave has provided shelter to humans for thousands of years and is steeped in local legend. You can find more information about visiting on the Visit Mosel website.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves around Reidenhausen?
The area around Reidenhausen offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hikes, road cycling routes, and running trails. Many of these routes pass by historical sites and natural features, complementing a visit to the caves.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Reidenhausen?
Visitors appreciate the historical insights offered by the slate mines, which showcase the arduous process of extracting roofing slate and the region's industrial past. The unique geological formations and the opportunity to explore underground environments are also highly valued. The komoot community has shared over 80 photos and given more than 120 upvotes for these sites.
Are there any caves in the region that are important for wildlife?
Yes, the Slate Mining Tunnels on Strimmiger Berg, for example, are now closed with grids due to collapse danger but provide welcome protection for wintering bats. This highlights their ecological importance as habitats for local wildlife.
What is the Buchenloch Cave like?
The Buchenloch Cave is described as a fascinating cave in Rhineland-Palatinate. It features a small staircase leading into a sizable chamber. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight to fully appreciate its interior and explore its unique formations.
Where can I find more information about the Elfengrotte (Käsegrotte)?
You can find additional details about the Elfengrotte (Käsegrotte) near Bad Bertrich, including its unique geological features and accessibility, on the Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism website.
Most popular attractions around Reidenhausen
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