Naturschutzgebiet Kripplöcher und Hielöcher

Naturschutzgebiet Kripplöcher und Hielöcher is a protected area in Berkatal consisting of two separate sections covering about 17 hectares of karst terrain with gypsum and dolomite rocks. These formations originated from ancient seabed deposits and create a landscape marked by sinkholes and cave entrances.

The area received formal protection status in 1967 and gained additional recognition in 1977 under German nature conservation law to preserve its geological formations. These legal actions together established it as one of the region's significant geological sites.

Local shepherds manage the juniper heath through traditional grazing with Meißner sheep, continuing practices that have shaped the landscape for centuries. This ongoing method keeps the terrain open and visible as visitors walk through it.

The Kripplöcher section requires guided tours for safety, while the Hielöcher section is accessible independently via marked trails from the Frankershausen sports field. Wear suitable footwear for uneven karst terrain and stick to marked routes.

In 1958, an entire herd of cows fell into a newly formed sinkhole, prompting locals to name that formation Kuhloch. This event illustrates the active geological processes still shaping the landscape today.