Kammerbacher Höhle

Useful Information

Location:	Between Kammerbach and Hilgershausen. Near Bad Soden-Allendorf, Meisner, northern Hessen.
Open:	During Summer get key from the Tourist-Info Bad Sooden-Allendorf. Tourist-Info: All year Mon-Fri 9-17, Sat 9-12. Cave: 15-MAY to 15-SEP. [2015]
Fee:	Entrance Fee EUR 10, refundable deposit for key EUR 20. [2015]
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	none, bring electric torch
Dimension:	L=50 m, W=20 m, H=12 m.
Guided tours:	n/a
Photography:	Allowed
Accessibility:	Trail requires surefootedness
Bibliography:
Address:	Tourist-Info, Landgraf-Philipp-Platz 1, 37242 Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Tel: +49-5652-95870. E-mail: Naturpark Meißner Kaufunger Wald, Wolfteroder Straße 4a, 37297 Berkatal-Frankershausen, Tel: +49-5651-952125, Fax: +49-5657-213933. 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

1267	first mentioned.
25-MAR-1938	declared a Natural Monument.

Description

The Kammerbacher Höhle (Kammerbach cave) is often called the biggest cave of Hessen. This is not exactly true, as the biggest cave normally means the longest cave, and the longest cave of Hessen is the Herbstlabyrinth-Adventhöhlen-System which is 3,500 m long. The Kammerbach cave is only a singe huge chamber, but this chamber is really big. It is 50 m long, 20 m wide and up to 12 m high. This is the biggest natural cavern in Hessen.

The cave is connected with many local legends and fairy tales. It is a location connected with the fairy tale of Mother Holle, which was written down by the Brothers Grimm. Sacrificial offerings of flowers were made in the cave and the sacred water of the small cave pool was collected. Those traditions were from pre christian times and they were given up during the 19th century. Originally they were held around the year, probably in connection with the moon. At the end they were made once a year on a special day. The cult had aspects of fertility rites.

The cave is closed by an iron gate. In winter visits are not possible because of hibernating bats. During summer the door of the cave is open. The visit is easy, but a good electric torch and good shoes are advisable.