Höllental, Valley and geotope in Lichtenberg, Germany.
Höllental is a river valley and geotope in the Franconian Forest near Lichtenberg, carved by the Selbitz River. The valley walls rise steeply on both sides, exposing layers of rock that geologists recognize as part of a broader formation stretching across this part of Bavaria.
The Selbitz River gradually cut through the rock of the Fichtel Mountains over a very long period, forming the valley as it exists today. The rocks in the walls date back even further, to a time of volcanic activity that predates the river's work entirely.
The valley is popular with hikers who follow the river path and stop to look at the exposed rock faces up close. The name Höllental, meaning 'hell valley' in German, likely refers to how dark and narrow the gorge feels in certain sections.
The valley can be reached from several entry points, with parking near the camping area making it a common starting spot. Marked trails run along the river and through the rocky sections, so it is easy to find your way without specialized equipment.
The rocky walls contain pillow lava formations, rounded shapes that form when lava flows into water and cools rapidly. Their presence here tells geologists that this area was once covered by a shallow sea, long before the river or the forest existed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
