Wendelsteinhöhle

Wendelsteinhöhle is a limestone cave at about 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) elevation in the Bavarian Alps with narrow passages and a natural entrance. The interior features formations created by water and guides visitors through different chambers over approximately 570 meters (1,850 feet).

A farmer from Bayrischzell discovered the cave by chance in 1864, and speleologists later studied it more thoroughly in the 1880s. It was then opened to tourists and electric lighting was installed, making it a popular destination.

The name comes from the nearby Wendelstein mountain, and visitors today walk on carved paths through the narrow limestone passages. This place is experienced as a natural workshop where one can sense how water has shaped the stone over countless ages.

You should wear warm clothing since the temperature inside stays around 3 degrees Celsius all year long. The path goes through narrow passages with natural and artificial light, so sturdy footwear and caution when stepping are recommended.

The entrance acts like a trap for cold air and keeps snow preserved through the summer months despite warm outside temperatures. This place is also home to several bat species that find shelter in the cool passages.

Location: Brannenburg

Elevation above the sea: 1,724 m

Length: 573 m

Width: 3 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Website: http://umweltatlas.bayern.de/mapapps/resources/reports/geotope/generateBericht.pdf?additionallayerfieldvalue=187H001

GPS coordinates: 47.70313,12.01327

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:41