Baumannshöhle: discover Germany's oldest show cave in the Harz

During a holiday in the Harz, a visit to the Baumannshöhle is a special experience. This impressive stalactite cave in Rübeland is the oldest show cave in Germany and has been attracting visitors since the 17th century. With its mysterious corridors, impressive stalactite formations and special underground concert hall, the Baumannshöhle is one of the most unique sights in the region.

A cave with centuries of history

The Baumannshöhle was discovered in the Middle Ages and has been open to visitors since 1646. This makes it one of the oldest tourist caves in Europe. According to legend, the cave is named after miner Friedrich Baumann, who ended up deep in the cave system during his search for ores. Over the centuries, monarchs, scientists and travelers visited the cave to admire the impressive underground world with their own eyes. Today, the Baumannshöhle is still one of the most popular excursions in the Harz.

A fascinating underground world

During a tour you walk through a network of attractively lit corridors and large halls. Along the way you will see impressive stalactites growing from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor. Some stalactite formations are thousands of years old and have acquired special shapes over the centuries. Along the way, the guide explains how these natural works of art came into existence and how slowly the growth process takes place. In some cases, a stalactite grows only a few millimeters per century.

The Goethesaal: a concert hall deep underground

One of the absolute highlights of the Baumannshöhle is the famous Goethesaal. This large underground hall has excellent acoustics and is regularly used for concerts, theater performances and cultural events. The combination of music, atmospheric lighting and the impressive stalactite formations provides a unique experience. If you have the opportunity to attend a performance, it is a special addition to your visit to the Harz.

Exciting and educational for children

A visit to the Baumannshöhle is also an adventure for children. The mysterious corridors, special rock formations and stories about the discovery of the cave appeal to the imagination. During the tour, children learn in a playful way how caves are formed and which animals live here. The constant temperature of approximately 8°C also makes a visit pleasant during hot summer days.

Combine with the Hermannshöhle

A short distance from the Baumannshöhle is the Hermannshöhle, another famous cave in Rübeland. Many visitors combine both caves in one day. While the Baumannshöhle is best known for its history and the Goethesaal, the Hermannshöhle offers impressive underground lakes and is a habitat of the rare cave olm. By visiting both caves you will get a complete picture of the special underground nature of the Harz.

More information

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