Atta Cave

The Atta Cave (Atta-Höhle) in Attendorn is one of the largest and most beautiful show caves in Germany, tucked into the wooded Sauerland hills about 80 km east of Cologne. A guided tour of roughly 40 minutes takes you past rust-tinted flowstone curtains, stalactites and stalagmites at a constant 9°C (48°F). It is a great rainy-day choice and pairs nicely with nearby Lake Bigge.

Discovered by a blast

Quarry workers uncovered the cave by accident on July 19, 1907, when an explosion opened a crack into a chamber full of dripstone. The first section opened to visitors that same year. The cave takes its name from Princess Atta, the legendary figure linked to the name of the town. In 1986 cavers found a further section about five kilometers long, which remains closed to the public for safety reasons.

What you will see

The limestone formed some 400 million years ago in a Devonian sea. The highlights are the many flowstone "curtains" colored by iron oxide, along with chambers given fanciful names such as the Prophets' Hall and the Throne Room of Princess Atta. According to the operator, dripstone grows only about one millimeter every ten years. One chamber is even used to age Atta cheese, sold on site. Photography is not allowed anywhere inside.

Tickets and opening hours

Tickets are sold only at the box office (cash or card); online booking is not available (as of October 2026). Adults (15+) pay €14.50, children aged 5 to 14 pay €7.50, and a family ticket for two adults and two children costs €36.50.

Through November 1 the cave opens daily from 10:30 a.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. From November 2 to 22 it opens on weekends only (from 11 a.m., last entry 3:30 p.m.), and it is closed from November 23 to December 25. Tours depart at least every 15 minutes. An audioguide app offers commentary in English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian and Greek.

How to get there

Attendorn is about 1.5 hours by car from Cologne or Dortmund via the A 4 or A 45; the cave has a large parking lot with around 300 spaces. By train, Attendorn station is only a few hundred meters from the cave, reachable via regional trains (Deutschlandticket valid). Right outside, the Biggolino vintage-style road train shuttles visitors to the dam and boat landing on Lake Bigge.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially as part of a Sauerland day trip. The tour has steps and narrow sections, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers or strollers, and dogs are not allowed. Bring a jacket even in summer.

Nearby

• Lake Bigge (Biggesee), with boat trips and a swimming beach.
• Attendorn old town and its large parish church, known locally as the "Sauerland Cathedral."
• Schnellenberg Castle, a hilltop castle above the town.