Zwergenhöhle, Natural cave monument in Bielefeld, Germany
Zwergenhöhle is a small natural cavity formed in the limestone rock of the Teutoburg Forest that penetrates approximately 11 meters into the hillside. The entrance is protected by a metal gate and the cave lies on a slope below Jostmeier Mountain.
The cave was first studied scientifically by Julius Wilbrand in 1887, who documented its original length at approximately 20 meters. Rock collapses have since reduced its size, marking natural changes to the structure over time.
The name reflects local legends about dwarfs that feature prominently in Westphalian folklore and storytelling traditions. Visitors can sense how these tales have shaped the way people think about the cave and its place in regional mythology.
The cave entrance has a protective gate that closes from September through May to protect wintering bats inside. Wear sturdy shoes and be careful on the wooded slope, as the access path can be muddy or slippery depending on recent weather.
The cave formed through limestone dissolution caused by carbonic acid in groundwater rather than through the usual layering of rock strata. This chemical process created an unusual geological feature that sets it apart from caves formed by other mechanisms.
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