Cave Loop
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
9miLength
2,034ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular circular trail in the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park.
This strenuous, sometimes very steep path leads to over 30 natural caves (caves and stalactite caves). The rocks are limestone deposits from the ancient Jurassic Sea, similar to coral reefs. The path also leads past the "Petrus" rock tower. A visit to "heaven" is worthwhile here.
The Hirschbach Tourist Association, 1975 of the "MSC Hirschbach," laid out the hiking trail and marked it throughout with the number 3 on a green background. From time to time, steep inclines have to be managed, and some caves can only be explored by crawling on all fours. Sturdy shoes and a torch are recommended.
Attention! Bat protection period: Some caves are closed from 1 October to 31 March.
Highlights:
- Cave exploration
- Petrus" rock tower
- Local flora and fauna
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Schlaraffenland
Cliff
Norisbrettl
Cliff
Castellturm
Cliff
Fuchsloch
Cave
Starenfelshöhle
Cave
Bodenberg
Peak
Neutrasfelsen
Peak
Schmiedberghöhle
Cave
Amtsknechtshöhle
Cave
Brünnlesloch
Cave
Osterloch
Cave
Burg Hauseck
Castle
Luginsland
Peak
Mittelbergwand
Peak
Petrus
Peak
Frankenkammer
Cave
Prellsteinloch
Cave
Bodenbergwand
Cliff
Kärwaturm
Cliff
Schachtschüssel
Cliff
Starenfels
Peak
Gemeindeberg
Peak
Hirschbacher Wand
Cliff
Cäciliengrotte
Cave
Schloßberg-Durchgangshöhle
Cave
Schloßberg-Felstor
Cave
Schloßberg
Peak
Noris-Törl
Attraction
Die Kraxlerhütte
Hut
Dürrnberghöhlen
Cave
Kastell
Cave
Gemeindefels
Cliff
Azelstein
Peak
Mittelbergwandhöhle
Cave
Schmidbergwand
Cliff
Neutersberg
Peak
Annawand
Cliff
Rutschen
Peak
Bodenberghöhle
Cave
Prellstein
Peak
Rabensteiner Wand
Cliff
Schleißberg
Peak
Schmiedberg
Peak
Schloßberg-Felsgrotte
Cave
Triebberg
Peak
Dürrenberg
Peak
Hauseck-Blick
Viewpoint
Top sights
Schlaraffenland
Cliff
Norisbrettl
Cliff
Castellturm
Cliff
Fuchsloch
Cave
Starenfelshöhle
Cave
Bodenberg
Peak
Neutrasfelsen
Peak
Schmiedberghöhle
Cave
Amtsknechtshöhle
Cave
Brünnlesloch
Cave
Osterloch
Cave
Burg Hauseck
Castle
Luginsland
Peak
Mittelbergwand
Peak
Petrus
Peak
Frankenkammer
Cave
Prellsteinloch
Cave
Bodenbergwand
Cliff
Kärwaturm
Cliff
Schachtschüssel
Cliff
Starenfels
Peak
Gemeindeberg
Peak
Hirschbacher Wand
Cliff
Cäciliengrotte
Cave
Schloßberg-Durchgangshöhle
Cave
Schloßberg-Felstor
Cave
Schloßberg
Peak
Noris-Törl
Attraction
Die Kraxlerhütte
Hut
Dürrnberghöhlen
Cave
Kastell
Cave
Gemeindefels
Cliff
Azelstein
Peak
Mittelbergwandhöhle
Cave
Schmidbergwand
Cliff
Neutersberg
Peak
Annawand
Cliff
Rutschen
Peak
Bodenberghöhle
Cave
Prellstein
Peak
Rabensteiner Wand
Cliff
Schleißberg
Peak
Schmiedberg
Peak
Schloßberg-Felsgrotte
Cave
Triebberg
Peak
Dürrenberg
Peak
Hauseck-Blick
Viewpoint
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 9.0-mile loop trail near Hirschbach, Bavaria. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 43 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for Cave Loop?
Expected weather for Cave Loop for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 67 degrees/drizzle
- Sun, September 20 - 60 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 58 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 63 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 67 degrees/clear
Where is Cave Loop located?
Cave Loop is a trail located in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park.
How hard is Cave Loop?
Cave Loop is considered a hard hike that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,034 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Cave Loop?
Cave Loop is considered a hard hike that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,034 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Cave Loop a loop?
Cave Loop is a loop trail that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,034 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Cave Loop?
Cave Loop is a loop trail that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,034 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Cave Loop?
Dogs may be allowed on Cave Loop. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at Cave Loop?
Yes, Hauseck-Blick is located on Cave Loop.
Are there forests at Cave Loop?
Yes, Cave Loop is a forest trail in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Cave Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Cave Loop, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is Cave Loop rocky?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Cave Loop includes rocky terrain. Watch your footing and wear footwear with good traction.
Last updated on September 13, 2026 at 1:20 am GMT+0