Käthra Kuche, Solutional cave entrance in Ehingen, Germany.
Käthra Kuche is a cave entrance formed by water dissolving limestone in the Swabian Jura near Ehingen. The opening leads into a limestone system situated at around 700 meters above sea level.
The cave took its name from Katharina Schunter, who made it her home during the late 1700s and early 1800s. She had previously lived in another cave called Schunter Cave before relocating to this location.
The cave holds a place in Ehingen's Fasnet carnival tradition, where the 'Wilden Weiber' group references it in their festive calls and performances. This local connection shows how the site remains part of the community's identity and celebrates its past through seasonal gatherings.
Several walking trails connect to the cave entrance, with some routes suitable for regular hikers. Wearing sturdy footwear is helpful when exploring the paths leading to the opening.
Local people would call out 'D' Käther kocht' whenever they saw smoke rising from the cave, signaling that Katharina was cooking inside. This simple phrase served as a way to track whether the cave's resident was home and active.
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