Finsteres Loch

Finsterloch

Useful Information

Location:	Rosenstein, Heubach, near Schwäbisch-Gmünd.
Open:	No restrictions. Guided tours: MAY to OCT after appointment. [2010]
Fee:	free. [2010]
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Höhlenkundliche Arbeitsgemeinschaft Rosenstein/Heubach e. V., Postfach 1345, 73535 Heubach. Vorstand: Gerhard Novak, Tel: +49-7173-8203. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

The Finsteres Loch (Dark Hole) is one of about 40 caves at the Rosenstein near Heubach. This so-called mountain is actually a piece of the Swabian Jura plateau, cut off by river valleys. The cave is a through cave with a side branch leading to a window-like cave opening in a cliff face, which is not useful as a cave entrance. This is the biggest of the accessible caves on the Rosenstein. The entrance area was frequented by man during Stone Age and Bronze Age.

The Höhlenkundliche Arbeitsgemeinschaft Rosenstein/Heubach e. V. is the local non-profit caving club. The club offers guided tours for the caves of the Rosenstein area during summer, during winter the caves are gated for bat protection. The tour includes some walking and take around two hours. Walking clothes, sturdy boots and electric torch are required, helmets are recommended.