Devil's Cave (Pottenstein)

The Devil's Cave (Teufelshöhle) near Pottenstein is the largest of roughly 1,000 caves in Franconian Switzerland, a craggy hill region in northern Bavaria about an hour's drive from Nuremberg. A guided tour leads through lofty halls filled with stalagmites, flowstone curtains and the reconstructed skeleton of an Ice Age cave bear. At a constant 9°C (48°F), it is one of the most visited show caves in Germany.

Important: reduced opening for renovation

Since September 21, 2026, the cave has been open only on Saturdays and Sundays because of renovation and remodeling work (as of October 2026). No date has been announced for the return of daily tours, so check the Pottenstein town website before you go.

History

The huge entrance portal, about 25 meters wide and 14 meters high, was long known as the "Devil's Hole," but it ended after some 85 meters. In 1922, geologist Hans Brand broke through a nine-meter rockfall wall and found chambers rich in dripstone. Tunnels were dug to link them, and the full cave opened to the public at Pentecost 1931.

What you will see

The cave system is about 3,000 meters long, roughly half of which is shown on tours. Expect around 400 steps across three levels. Highlights include:

• Barbarossa Dome, about 45 meters long and up to 18 meters high, with candle-shaped stalagmites and a large flowstone curtain.
• Giant Hall, home to the oldest dripstones, estimated to be up to 340,000 years old.
• Cave bear skeleton of an animal that lived here more than 30,000 years ago.

Photography is allowed, but without flash, to protect the bats that hibernate here from October to March.

Tickets and opening hours

Visits are by guided tour only, lasting about 45 minutes. Adults (16+) pay €9, children aged 4 to 15 pay €5, and a family ticket is €25. Currently the cave is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m. Tours run continuously without fixed start times.

How to get to Pottenstein

The cave lies on the B 470 road about 2 km southeast of Pottenstein. Driving takes roughly an hour from Nuremberg and about 40 minutes from Bayreuth, using exit Pegnitz or Trockau on the A 9. The nearest train station is Pegnitz, 10 km away, served by regional trains (Deutschlandticket valid); local buses stop at "Teufelshöhle." There is a paid parking lot right at the entrance.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of the most impressive caves in Germany and easy to combine with hiking in Franconian Switzerland. Note that the many steps make it unsuitable for wheelchairs; bring a jacket even in summer.

Nearby

• Pottenstein town with its medieval castle and rock-framed outdoor pool.
• Pottenstein Skywalk viewing platform and summer toboggan run.
• Klumpertal, a popular hiking valley close to the cave.