The Blautopf, the most famous karst spring in Germany, is located on the outskirts of the historic town centre of Blaubeuren.

The uniquely beautiful location of the Blautopf in the rocky valley at Blaubeuren, and the colour and depth of the water make Blaubeuren one of the most popular excursion destinations on the Swabian Alb. The Blautopf is fed by a huge underground cave system.

Covering an area of 500 square metres, the Hohle Fels (hollow rock) near Schelklingen is one of the largest hall caves of the Swabian Alb.

Archaeological digs revealed weapons, jewellery and other artefacts. Unique ivory figures including a horse’s head, and the miniature humanoid figure known as the "lion man", all of which are dated to around 35.000 years ago, were also found here. Probably the most important find is the “Venus of Hohle Fels” – the oldest known figurine of a woman and also the oldest known figurative depiction of a human being. Some of the artefacts found here are displayed in the Urgeschichtliches Museum (Museum of Prehistory) in Blaubeuren.
www.museum-schelklingen.de , Telephone 0049 7394/ 5 95

The Laichinger Tiefenhöhle (vertical cave) is up to 80 metres deep and is the deepest accessible show cave in Germany. No other cave shows the karstification of the Alb and the reef formations more impressively than this one. The "Museum für Höhlenkunde" (speleological museum) is located in the entrance building to the Laichinger Tiefenhöhle. The cave and the museum are designated as a GeoPark-Infostelle (information point). Restaurant facilities, barbeque sites and a playground are available.
www.tiefenhoehle.de. Telephone 0049 73 33/ 55 86 (Höhlenhaus)

Schertelshöhle (Schertel Cave) lies in the North-West of the Alb-Danube District on the Laichinger Alb near Westerheim, in a beautiful woodland and walking region. Its limestone stalactites and stalagmites covering a total length of 212 metres are very impressive. Scientists estimate the “Palace of Stones” to be some 3 to 4 million years old. Guided tours are possible. Restaurant facilities, barbeque site and playground available.
www.schertelshoehle.de
Telephone: 0049 7333 / 7845 (Höhlenhaus), 0049 7333 / 966 60 (Tourist-Info, Westerheim)

The Sontheimer Höhle (Sontheim Cave) to the South of Heroldstatt, is the oldest show cave in Germany. The former river cave is estimated to be some 12 to 15 million years old. The route accessible to visitors is 200 metres long and leads through several passages and halls to a depth of 34 metres. Along the way there are many fascinating drop and sinter formations to see. The Sontheim Cave is also home to the most important bat colony of the Swabian Alb. In order to protect these animals, the cave is closed from November 1st to April 30th. Restaurant facilities, barbeque site and playground available.
www.sontheimer-hoehle.de , info@sontheimer-hoehle.de
Telephone: 00497389/ 906109