Erlenhöhle, Natural monument cave in Schwelm, Germany
The Erlenhöhle extends for 263 meters through limestone formations, featuring multiple chambers with diverse mineral compositions and rock structures throughout its passages.
Discovered during a fox hunt in 1902, the cave served as an air raid shelter for Schwelm residents during World War II.
The cave gained literary recognition as a central location in Franz Josef Degenhardt's 1974 novel 'Zündschnüre', which was later adapted into a film.
Access to the cave requires special permission and protective equipment, as the entrance remains secured with a gate to protect the sensitive ecosystem.
Despite its modest size, the cave houses numerous animal species, including bats, aquatic organisms, and rare cave-dwelling creatures documented in 1980s studies.
Location: Schwelm
GPS coordinates: 51.29554,7.26208
Latest update: April 3, 2025 10:36
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