Barbarossa Cave, Natural anhydrite cave and museum in Kyffhäuserland, Germany
The Barbarossa Cave extends through 600 meters of accessible passages containing underground lakes with green-tinted waters caused by dissolved gypsum.
Miners discovered the cave system in 1865 during copper slate excavation, leading to its development as a show cave named Falkenburger Höhle in 1866.
The cave received its current name from Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who according to German folklore sleeps beneath the Kyffhäuser mountains awaiting Germany's need.
Located 66 kilometers from Nordhausen, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 9 degrees Celsius and requires visitors to join guided tours.
This geological formation represents one of only two anhydrite show caves in the world, featuring rare sheet-like structures from gypsum transformation.
Location: Kyffhäuserland
Elevation above the sea: 141 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Website: https://barbarossahoehle.de
GPS coordinates: 51.37555,11.03660
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:43
Thuringia features castles, monasteries and museums. The region contains castle ruins in forests, medieval fortresses on hills and Renaissance palaces with gardens. Underground caves, technical museums and botanical gardens complement the cultural offerings. The architecture spans from Romanesque churches to Baroque buildings.
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