Barbarossa Cave Museum
Limestone show cave in Thuringia with stalactites
A showcave in Thuringia offering guided tours past calcite formations and chambers formed over millennia; visitors explore illuminated stalactites and learn about local speleology.
Barbarossa Cave at a Glance#
Address: Barbarossahöhle, Rottleben area, Thuringia, Germany
Website: https://www.barbarossahoehle.de
Hours: Daily Apr-Oct 9am-6pm; Nov-Mar vary, check ahead
Admission: €9-€12 (adult) - check local updates
About Barbarossa Cave#
Barbarossa Cave is a dripstone show cave in the Kyffhäuser hills of Thuringia, Germany. The cave is named after the medieval emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
The interior contains stalactites and stalagmites and includes a small subterranean lake; the route through the cave is fitted with lighting and walkways for visitors. Tours typically follow a prepared path through the main chambers and the lake area.
The cave was developed for public access in the 19th century and has been operated as a show cave since then, with interpretive material relating to its geology and the Barbarossa legend.
The cave is located in the Kyffhäuser region of northern Thuringia and is reached via local roads from nearby towns in the area.
- Guided tours: Public visits are conducted on guided tours that follow prepared, lit pathways through the cave.
What to See#
- Underground lake: A small subterranean lake reached on the guided show route that forms a distinctive visual feature inside the cave.
- Show chambers: Dripstone chambers with stalactites and stalagmites that are presented on a lit, guided pathway for visitors.
How to Get to Barbarossa Cave#
The cave is accessed from towns in northern Thuringia; travel by car from major cities like Erfurt or Sondershausen. Regional buses serve nearby villages; signage from main roads directs visitors to the parking and entrance.
Tips for Visiting Barbarossa Cave#
- Wear waterproof footwear; cave interior is wet and sometimes slippery.
- Take the guided tour - routes are narrow and guides explain the cave's geology and history.
- Photography with flash can be permitted in sections but follow posted rules to protect formations.
Best Time to Visit Barbarossa Cave#
Visit in spring through autumn for regular guided tours and easier road travel; winter access can be limited.
Weather & Climate near Barbarossa Cave#
Barbarossa Cave's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (563 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 37 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 4° | -3° | 31 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 8° | 1° | 43 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 3° - 12° | 5° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 60 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 59 mm | overcast | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.3h |
| July | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 17° | 67 mm | overcast | 68% | 3.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.9h |
| August | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 17° | 53 mm | overcast | 68% | 2.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 14.4h |
| September | Very Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 37 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 46 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 4° | -2° | 45 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
