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Germany

Bavaria

Lower Franconia

Main-Spessart

Esselbach

Schächerloch Cave

Discover

Places to see

Caves

Germany

Bavaria

Lower Franconia

Main-Spessart

Esselbach

Schächerloch Cave

Recommended by 48 hikers out of 51

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Spessart

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Location: Esselbach, Main-Spessart, Lower Franconia, Bavaria, Germany

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Intermediate

Tips

Nico

January 20, 2023

Beware of prying eyes... it's a few meters downhill... and it's fluffy at that

Translated by Google •

Kai 🇺🇦

June 20, 2022

The most interesting thing is the legend. Currently, however, there is no longer a sign on which one could read them.

The hole is deep enough to be a problem should you slip and get closer to the bottom.

Translated by Google •

MS 🚴‍♂️

January 30, 2025

The Schächerloch

The name of this natural fissure cave comes from "Schächer" as an old term for "robber" or "murderer". It is a natural monument and belongs to the municipality of Esselbach.

The entrance leads about four meters deep. To the left and right, passages continue, but most of them are now buried. According to old reports, there used to be a large dome-shaped room and a water flow in the cave after about 70 meters. Caves made of Bundsandstein are rare and have a special attraction. This is also evidenced by a huge circle of legends surrounding the Schächerloch. The folklorist Barbara Grimm once counted 105 legends.

Emperor Charles IV is said to have been hidden here on his way to Canossa and the rest of the Steinmark population is said to have survived here during the Thirty Years' War, while a Swedish rider is said to have perished here (hence the name "Schwedenloch"). The Schächerloch is known as a place of treasure hunts with bad outcomes and as a place where monsters, scoundrels and giants live.

A mountain spirit is also said to live here with a yew tree and a grey bird. Using a branch of this yew as a divining rod, one can find all the treasures of the world. This extraordinary variety of stories could also be an indication that the Schächerloch was once a place of worship. Stone axe finds certainly indicate prehistoric significance.

Source: Information board at the site

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Details

Informations

Elevation 420 m

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Friday 19 September

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Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

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Location: Esselbach, Main-Spessart, Lower Franconia, Bavaria, Germany

Schächerloch Cave

1. Weihersgrund Nature Reserve – Forsthaus Sylvan loop from Windheim

2. Rocky Trail to Karlshöhe – Forsthaus Sylvan loop from Windheim

3. Weihersgrund Nature Reserve – Forsthaus Sylvan loop from Bischbrunn

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