Lippoldshöhle, Natural cave monument in Alfeld, Germany.
Lippoldshöhle is a natural cave in Alfeld featuring several interconnected rooms linked by stone passages. Individual chambers carry local names such as kitchen, living room, and prison, each displaying distinct rock formations.
The cave was first documented in 1466 when the Bishop of Hildesheim sent military forces to secure a mountain passage. It functioned as part of a medieval fortification system designed to control the gorge.
The cave takes its name from Lippold von Rössing, a nobleman whose story as an outlaw became woven into regional folklore. This tale shaped how local people understand and connect with the medieval history of their area.
Access to different levels requires using steel stairs and ladders, so basic physical fitness is helpful for the visit. The entrance is reached by a short walk from the Glenetalstrasse parking area, and interior lighting is minimal.
The walls contain numerous beam holes indicating where wooden structures once formed part of a medieval defense system. These visible traces allow visitors to understand how the historical fortification was actually constructed.
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