Best caves around Waldkirchen are found within the Bavarian Forest, offering a diverse range of underground and rock formations. These sites provide insight into the region's unique geological history and human interaction with the landscape. Visitors can explore ancient earth cellars, natural rock tunnels, and grottoes carved into the terrain. The area features a mix of natural monuments and historical sites, showcasing the varied character of the local geology.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Popular around Waldkirchen
Trans Bayerwald – A mountain bike adventure through Bavaria's finest nature
Diverse hiking in the Bavarian Forest National Park
Radtouren zwischen Donau und Moldau - unterwegs im Bayerischen Wald
Hiking around Waldkirchen
Cycling around Waldkirchen
MTB Trails around Waldkirchen
Running Trails around Waldkirchen
Road Cycling Routes around Waldkirchen
Gravel biking around Waldkirchen
Mountain Hikes around Waldkirchen
The quartz cave is located on the northern edge of the Pfahl ridge at Thomasleite. It is part of the geotope. The outcrop is accessible via the field path from Kapfham, at the end of which is a hiking parking area. The rock ridge runs approximately east-west. In the east, the rocks consist almost entirely of gray to beige-gray quartz vein breccia of the Bavarian Pfahl, which, despite its closely spaced jointing, is quite compact due to secondary silicification. In the west, the rock ridge consists predominantly of ultramylonite, which is strongly silicified and interspersed with sharply defined quartz veins. The outcrop is bordered to the north by Pfahl schists, and on the southeast edge, there is evidence of old mining in the ultramylonite (whetstone?). A small quarry ("quartz quarry") is located on the signposted historical hiking trail of the municipality of Ringelai. Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=272R022
0
0
Directly adjacent to parking lot P3 (Jandelsbrunner Straße) in Waldkirchen is an earth cellar that was discovered and partially destroyed during the construction of the parking lot. The two preserved sections are the rearmost parts of the entire complex, which originally consisted of three "side arms" (Image 4, from: Der Erdstall 13). They were "hand-carved" without heavy equipment in the heavily encrusted Hauzenberg-Hutthum granite, which is particularly evident in the "face" of the left side arm (Image 3). The preserved total length is approximately 16 meters. Other earth cellars, also known as "Schrazelgänge," are located in the town of Waldkirchen. However, these are only accessible via the cellars of private homes. The building at parking lot P3, however, is open to the public as part of guided city tours. Information is available from the Building Department in the Town Hall (Rathausplatz 1) or the City Archives in the Community Center (Ringmauerstraße 14). Both the exact date of construction and the actual purpose of the structures have not yet been definitively determined. The geotope is under special protection as an archaeological monument (monument no. D-2-7247-0188). Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU). https://www.umweltatlas.bayern.de/standortauskunft/rest/reporting/sb_geotope/generate?additionallayerfieldvalue=272G009 https://youtu.be/Qd5Acq8wqyQ
3
0
It's worth a small deviation from the path. But once you see it, it's just a small cave
0
0
Beautiful landscaped grotto in the green
3
0
Mining at this quartz cave once provided the raw material for glass making
1
0
Beautiful grotto dedicated to Saint Mary.
1
0
Near Waldkirchen, you can visit the Erdstall (Schrazelgang) at parking lot P3 Waldkirchen. This ancient earth cellar, partially discovered during construction, offers a glimpse into the region's mysterious past. Guided city tours are available to explore its preserved sections. Another historical site is the Buchberger Leite Rock Tunnel, a rock breakthrough dating from WWII, which is part of a scenic hiking trail.
Yes, the Quartz Cave, located on the northern edge of the Pfahl ridge at Thomasleite, is a natural monument where mining once provided raw material for glass making. While short, it's a point of interest for those exploring the natural landscape. Additionally, the Saußbachklamm (Saussbach Gorge) south of Waldkirchen, though not a traditional cave, features wild rock formations and a deeply cut canyon carved by the Saußbach river.
The Erdstall (Schrazelgang) at parking lot P3 Waldkirchen is family-friendly, especially when experienced through guided city tours. The Stone Forest Shrine, a beautifully landscaped grotto, is also considered family-friendly. The Saußbachklamm offers easily walkable footpaths, making it suitable for families to enjoy the natural spectacle of waterfalls and rock formations.
The region around Waldkirchen is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including those that pass by the Buchberger Leite Rock Tunnel and through the Saußbachklamm. For more hiking options, explore easy hikes around Waldkirchen. The area also offers road cycling and gravel biking routes; check out road cycling routes and gravel biking around Waldkirchen for more details.
Yes, the Erdstall (Schrazelgang) at parking lot P3 Waldkirchen is accessible to the public as part of guided city tours. Information regarding these tours can be obtained from the Building Department in the Town Hall or the City Archives in the Community Center.
The sites are generally accessible year-round. For outdoor activities like hiking around the Buchberger Leite Rock Tunnel or in the Saußbachklamm, spring to autumn offers the most pleasant weather. The Erdstall (Schrazelgang) can be visited during guided tours regardless of the season.
While specific rules for each site vary, generally, dogs are welcome on leashes on hiking trails, such as those in the Saußbachklamm and near the Buchberger Leite Rock Tunnel. For indoor or guided tour locations like the Erdstall (Schrazelgang), it's advisable to check with the tour organizers beforehand.
For sites like the Buchberger Leite Rock Tunnel, a flashlight is useful, though not always strictly necessary, as parts can be unlit. Sturdy footwear is recommended for hiking trails, especially in areas like the Saußbachklamm with its wild rock formations. Dress in layers suitable for the weather, as temperatures can vary, especially underground or in gorges.
Yes, for the Erdstall (Schrazelgang), parking is conveniently located directly adjacent to parking lot P3 (Jandelsbrunner Straße) in Waldkirchen. For the Buchberger Leite Rock Tunnel, there is a small hiking parking area near the carbide works.
The Stone Forest Shrine offers a beautiful viewpoint where you can see the confluence of the Wolfsteiner Ohe in the Ilz. The Saußbachklamm itself is a protected landscape area with numerous wild rock formations and cascades, offering a grand natural spectacle. The Quartz Cave is also designated as a natural monument.
The Saußbachklamm (Saussbach Gorge) is a wild and romantic gorge south of Waldkirchen. The Saußbach river has carved a deep canyon over millennia, revealing huge granite blocks and wild rock formations. It's a protected landscape area known for its waterfalls, cascades, and shaded nooks, offering an easily walkable footpath through a primeval landscape of Eastern Bavaria.


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