1 Day Non-Residential Cave Tour in Biela Valley, Germany

The Bielatal is renowned for its dense concentration of climbing rocks. On both sides of the valley, sandstone peaks rise majestically. Here, you will follow discreet paths into a labyrinth of wooded rock towers. Erosion has carved deep shafts into the sandstone, and rock falls from the main massif have created large boulder caves (voids) that you will explore in detail. This area is also home to two of the most spectacular caves in Saxon Switzerland: the "Deep Cave" and the "Johannes Ruscher Cave." These two caves are absolute highlights, and with the expert guidance of your instructor, you will have the opportunity to rappel into both. Basic climbing skills are helpful, but not necessary.

A lunch break by the Biela River or at the Dachsenbaude is another highlight, where you can admire the surrounding climbing peaks and watch climbers in action. Sturdy clothing, long pants, and solid footwear (even in summer) are required. This day tour is suitable for athletic and adventurous children aged 12 and up. Please note: Descending into the Johannes Ruscher Cave is reserved for very athletic and slender individuals.

The guide will assess on-site whether a visit to this cave is feasible. Your schedule is schematic, and for organizational reasons, the content and route may change. The helicopter flight will either take place at the beginning of the hike (you will be flown into the national park) or at the end (you will be flown out of the national park). In the latter case, the hikes will occur in reverse order.

• Hiking on narrow forest trails
• Moderate to challenging cave explorations
• Duration: Approximately 6 - 8 hours

Schedule

At 9:30 a.m., you will meet at the designated meeting point. After a brief introduction and orientation, you will receive your safety helmet, headlamp, and climbing harness. At 10:00 a.m., you will set off into the forest area where the caves are located. Finally, you will be back at the starting point of the day tour at 5:00 p.m. Farewell, and wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Requirements

The focus of this day tour is on exploring the caves, shafts, passages, and the well-hidden entrances. The paths between the caves are relatively short, but they offer beautiful opportunities to enjoy the forest and nature. There are a few short ascents to tackle, but the daily distance and elevation gain are not the main focus of this tour. You should not be afraid of tight spaces and should have a certain level of comfort with heights. However, you always have the option to skip more challenging cave explorations. Of the approximately six caves, half are in a higher, more difficult level (rappelling, very narrow passages).

What to bring

• A small daypack
• Water (one liter)
• A packed lunch
• A rain jacket
• A warm jacket
• Gloves (optional)
• Sturdy clothing (yes, you will get dirty)
• A change of clothes for after the tour
• Robust footwear