Falkensteiner Höhle
An active water cave near Grabenstetten on the Swabian Jura, from which the Elsach stream flows, explored for about 5 km. The first sump lies about 400–480 m inside; beyond a boulder choke at about 2,750 m further sumps follow, and only experienced cave divers can go past them. Heavy rain or snowmelt can raise the water within a short time and flood the cave up to its entrance. Cave diver Jochen Hasenmayer pushed through the sumps in 1979–1980.
Facts
- Region: Germany – Mines & Caves
- Area: Swabian Jura & Baden-Württemberg
- Level: advanced
- Current: moderate
- Type: cave
- Coordinates: 48.5140433, 9.4527559
- Highlights: active water cave, source of the Elsach, about 5 km explored, first sump about 400–480 m inside, more sumps beyond, sudden flooding after rain or snowmelt, bat protection: no permits October–March
- Permit: A police ordinance of 27 March 2018 (in force since 6 April 2018) bans walking and diving beyond the first constriction about 20 m inside; the municipality of Grabenstetten (Ortspolizeibehörde) grants exceptions on application at least 10 days ahead, sent only to info@grabenstetten.de. Conditions: rescue and recovery insurance of at least €50,000 per person and a declaration to cover rescue costs; €30 fee for private visitors, higher for commercial operators. Permits are valid 1 April–30 September; none are issued 1 October–31 March for bat protection. Diving the sumps needs Full Cave / cave-diver certification and caving experience. Check current terms.
- Issuer / contact: Gemeinde Grabenstetten (Ortspolizeibehörde)
- Phone: +4973829415040
- Email: info@grabenstetten.de
- Address: Böhringer Straße 10, 72582 Grabenstetten
- Website: https://www.grabenstetten.de/freizeit-tourismus/sehenswuerdigkeiten/falkensteiner-hoehle
- Tips: Only the first ~20 m are free to enter. Check the weather before any visit; bring two independent waterproof lights per person plus a spare, and a wetsuit beyond the 'Regentörle'. The ARGE Höhle und Karst Grabenstetten gives information at the cave on summer weekends. Check current terms.