Devil's Cave
Devil's Cave in Steinau an der Straße
Have a 'devilish' family outing in Hesse's oldest accessible show cave in Steinau an der Straße. Stalactites, stalagmites and rare columns are typical formations found in this dripstone cave. Our cave guides will gladly help you to interpret these and other wonders.
Discover another world and let yourself be enchanted by the play of the various colours, while discrete illuminations impressively emphasize the natural beauty. The impressions you will gain of the cave, with its many beautiful formations, will make for an unforgettable visit.
Information for visitors
There is free, unattended parking on the road L3179. This whole area is a nature reserve and so the track up to the cave is not accessible for vehicles. Visitors can take one of two marked forest paths. You will need approximately 8 to 12 minutes to walk the distance from the car park to the cave.
Visitors who are able to produce a valid disabled parking permit will be able to alight from their car directly at the cave. However, please observe the guide's instructions regarding where the car must then be parked.
Please note that the temperature in the cave varies between 7-11°c all year round. We therefore recommend that you wear a jacket, pullover, or some other item of warm clothing during your visit. An oilskin jacket can be hired for a small fee from your guide at the cave.
The air in the cave is practically dust and allergen free. Furthermore, the high level of humidity can ease breathing for people with bronchial difficulties. It is possible to book your visit outside of the regular opening times (accompanied by a cave guide).
Opening times and guided tours
Guided tours
Tours last approximately 30 minutes. The maximum number of visitors per tour is limited to twenty people.
Our cave guides
Anke Jobst, Gordon Ulrich, Maximilian Hofmann and Karl Georg Berressem.
Entry charges
Adults: € 4.00
Adult groups (min. 15 people): € 3.50 (per person)
Children (aged 15 and under): € 3.00
Child groups (min. 15 people): € 2,50 (per child)
The cave is open from April 20th to June 30th:
Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Sunday & bank holidays: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Additional group guided tours are possible every day from 20 April to 30 September. These tours must be booked in advance at the Steinau Tourist Information Office (0 66 63 / 96 31 - 0).
The cave is open from Juli 1st to September 30th:
Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Sunday & bank holidays: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Additional group guided tours are possible every day from 20 April to 30 September. These tours must be booked in advance at the Steinau Tourist Information Office (0 66 63 / 96 31 - 0).
Geology
Lower Muschelkalk (Shell-bearing limestone) is the rock present in the cave.
Cave formation
The flow of naturally acidic water (for example, from the Ulmbach stream or from subterranean whirlpools) from the overhanging basalt rock caused the limestone to dissolve, giving rise to chambers such as the 'Cathedral', and also led to the formation of stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (rising from the floor).
The cave is ca. 2½ million years old.
Geological significance
Due to its relatively large karst formation in the lower Muschelkalk, the cave represents an important geological natural monument.
Sights
The 'Cathedral' is the biggest cavern in the cave system. Its almost round form measures 11 metres in diameter and was originally 25 metres high. However, it now measures only 16 metres in height, as the rock has been further eroded away. The cave was first accessible via a natural chimney-like vent.
Chapel
A cave measuring 8 metres in height and 5½ metres in width, with veil-like stalactites and stalagmites.
Beehive
A stalagmite in the shape of a beehive.