Germany’s only publicly accessible vertical cave
Experience the fascinating world of the Tiefenhöhle Laichingen and embark on an underground adventure.
Facts about the Tiefenhöhle
The Tiefenhöhle Laichingen is Germany’s only publicly accessible vertical cave. With a depth of 90m and a total length of 1,372m, it is one of the most significant karst formations of the Swabian Alb.
Visitors descend via several iron staircases along a 330m route to a depth of 55m, passing impressive shafts and large chambers.
Information for your visit
Daily from 10:00 - 18:00
(last entry 17:30)
Seasonal opening from Palm Sunday until the end of the autumn school holidays in Baden‑-Württemberg (early November).
Prices
Please let us know in advance: anmelden@tiefenhoehle.deAdults5,00 €Children (ages 6–16)3,50 €
Getting here & contact
Höhlen- und Heimatverein Laichingen e.V.
Höhleweg 220
89150 Laichingen
Email: info@tiefenhoehle.de
Email: anmelden@tiefenhoehle.de
Phone: 07333/5586
Further information for your visit
Visit the cave on your own without a guided tour.
Five audio stations in the cave provide information in German, English, French, or a special children’s audio track. Get immersed in the Tiefenhöhle adventure - entirely at your own pace.
Guided tours may be offered on Sundays and public holidays. Please ask at the ticket desk.
Email: anmelden@tiefenhoehle.de
Phone: 07333/5586
The path leads down 55m via concrete and iron stairs (about 700 steps). The visit takes around 45 minutes. You leave the cave via a separate exit close to the Rasthaus (visitor café).
We recommend warm clothing (cave temperature 8.8 °C) and sturdy footwear (iron stairs!).
Adventure for the
whole family
Speleological Museum
Gain insights into the underground world of caves and groundwater. Learn how karst caves form and how stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone grow. A large section is devoted to fossils and living cave-dwelling organisms. A short film shows cavers at work underground.
The museum is located in the Rasthaus (visitor café).
Free admission.
Rasthaus (visitor café)
We’ve got what you want: coffee & cake, ice cream, or a light savory snack.
Playground
For small and large kids alike, in clear view of the Rasthaus (visitor’s café).
Things to do around the Tiefenhöhle
Karstkundlicher Wanderweg
An 11.5 km karst geology trail starts right by the Tiefenhöhle. Inquisitive visitors can explore the Alb plateau and its typical karst features year‑round. A description of the trail is available at the cave entrance or here as a download.
Download map
Weaving and Local History Museum
In the Weaving and Local History Museum you can discover fascinating facts about weaving, its history, and its importance in the region.
More info
UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb
The Tiefenhöhle and the Speleological Museum are ideal out-of-school learning sites to explore geoscience. They are also an information center within the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb.
More info
Our work
The Höhlen‑ und Heimatverein Laichingen e.V. was founded in 1947 and has about 500 members. The club’s volunteers operate the Tiefenhöhle Laichingen, the Speleological Museum, and the Weaving and Local History Museum. In addition to active cave research on the Swabian Alb and elsewhere, the association also runs a youth group.
The Club manages the Tiefenhöhle Laichingen.
The Club is actively involved in cave research, for example, exploring the Hessenhau Cave. Excursions also take us to karst regions in other countries. The association publishes the speleological journal “Laichinger Höhlenfreund” once a year.
Photography: Andreas Schober
The youth group of the Höhlen- und Heimatverein Laichingen meets every two weeks to explore caves together and enjoy exciting adventures. If you’re interested in joining, we’d love to hear from you! More information: info@tiefenhoehle.de, subject: "Jugendgruppe".
Weaving and Local History Museum
Laichingen has been a town of weaving mills for centuries, thus the history of its people has been closely linked with the weaver profession. The association also operates the Weaving and Local History Museum in Laichingen.
