Rübeland: Stalactite Caves, Goethe Hall and Hiking Trails

Baumann’s Cave and Hermann’s Cave

In Baumann’s Cave, the largest cavern is named after Goethe: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the cave several times. Goethe Hall is also an underground natural stage, hosting theatre performances and concerts, among other events. The chamber thus combines a historic name with cultural use deep underground.

Hermann’s Cave offers a different geological feature. As a river cave, it has caverns up to 50 metres high. The cave is home to the Olmensee, where Germany’s only olm salamanders live, and a crystal chamber. Guided tours last about 50 minutes; according to the current schedule, they are planned at 20-minute intervals. Check the times before your visit. Baumann’s Cave and Hermann’s Cave thus differ in their natural features.

Hiking and time by the water

Outside the caves, Rübeland also offers a specific reason to set aside time for exercise: the moderately difficult “Himmel & Höhle” connecting hiking trail starts at the Hermann’s Cave car park. It is about 6.4 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 1 hour and 50 minutes. That is a considerably longer block of time than the approximately 50-minute tour of Hermann’s Cave. You can therefore decide whether to make a short cave visit or a longer hike the focus of your day. Check the latest route details before setting out.

The “Bodeperle” outdoor swimming pool in Rübeland offers opportunities for swimming, paddling, playing and relaxing. This adds water-based activities to the caves and hiking trail. Your plans can therefore include a choice of different experiences: underground chambers, a moderately difficult hike or time at the outdoor pool.

More destinations in the wider Oberharz am Brocken destination

Other places in the wider Oberharz am Brocken destination also offer hiking routes with different time commitments. A moderately difficult hike passes through mixed forest to the Krockstein viewpoint. It is 2.8 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 55 minutes. Compared with “Himmel & Höhle,” it is the shorter of the two routes in both distance and time; both are rated moderately difficult. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus offers a seasonal glimpse into traditional charcoal making: from early April to late October, traditional earth kilns are built, fired and harvested there, allowing visitors to experience this historic craft firsthand. In Hasselfelde, an extensive network of hiking trails includes the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, nature trails and the Köhlerweg. These trails provide access on foot to local sights and places to visit.

The wider destination also has its own cultural highlights. Stiege’s stave church is the only sacred building in Germany in the Norwegian dragon style. The Köhlereimuseum in Hasselfelde offers an insight into the difficult working and living conditions of charcoal burners. Alongside hiking and traditional crafts, architecture and local history therefore offer different interests to explore.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your travel plans

If the stalactite caves are the focus of your stay, you can tailor your search for a holiday apartment to Rübeland. The Rübeland stalactite caves are located right in the centre of Rübeland, within the wider Oberharz am Brocken destination. If you also want your trip to include independent hiking and cultural destinations, first consider which places and experiences matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Stiege, Königshütte, Hasselfelde, Trautenstein, Elbingerode, Neuwerk, Sorge, Elend.

Back to the wider destination overview: Oberharz Am Brocken.