Grottos, ice caves, lakes: The most spectacular underworlds in Germany

The endless beaches of the North and Baltic Seas, the rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and the Alps: Germany's nature is multifaceted. But the full diversity only becomes apparent once you change your perspective and look underground.

There, you'll discover entire labyrinths of caves, hike through subterranean coral reefs, and visit disused mines. With 53 locations to choose from in Germany , there are plenty of cave tours to choose from. According to the Association of German Cave and Karst Researchers, there are that many show caves. We'll introduce you to the most beautiful ones.

It may not be the most spectacular cave, but it's still full of mysteries: The Breitscheid Autumn Labyrinth Show Cave in Hesse, which is more than twelve kilometers long, is the largest cave system in the state. A particular eye-catcher are the distinctive stalactites, atmospherically illuminated with white LED lights.

The highlight of the one-hour tour is the 30,000-year-old cave bear bones. To secure your spot, you should book your ticket online in advance.

• Autumn Labyrinth Show Cave: Rathausstraße 14, Breitscheid
• Opening hours: Every Saturday and Sunday from April to October and on Hessian holidays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission: Adults 9 euros, children up to 14 years 6 euros

A cave isn't exciting enough for you – how about a glacier cave? Not quite underground, but located in the deepest permanent ice field in the German Alps, is the Ice Chapel at Königssee in Bavaria . It can reach up to 30 meters high and 15 meters wide.

The ice cave changes due to climate change and the changing seasons, making it worth visiting more than once. You can admire the white, icy world year-round. But please note: The ice chapel is constantly in danger of collapsing, and entering it is life-threatening!

The Ice Chapel is located at the foot of the Watzmann East Face in Berchtesgaden.

Source: imago images/imagebroker

The ice cave changes due to climate change and the changing seasons, making it worth visiting more than once. You can admire the white, icy world year-round. But please note: The ice chapel is constantly in danger of collapsing, and entering it is life-threatening! Find out how to reach the ice cave here .

Chilled from the glacier cave? Then you'll find the perfect pampering program in the Berchtesgadener Land. Relax in the salty air in the cozily lit tunnel. Relaxing even has a healing effect: A stay in the salt mine is said to help with respiratory illnesses and allergies. With 85 percent humidity and a crisp twelve degrees Celsius, that's no wonder.

• Salt Healing Tunnel Berchtesgaden: Bergwerkstraße 85a, Berchtesgaden
• Opening hours: May to October 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., November to April 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Admission: Adults 24 euros (June to August 19 euros), family ticket from 60 euros

Cave diving – you might only be familiar with it from vacations in Southern Europe or at exotic destinations. But you can also do it in warm neoprene in Nuttlar. Never heard of it? It's a district of the municipality of Bestwig in the northern Hochsauerland district and is known for its slate mine.

Unique in Germany: In Nuttlar you can dive in a flooded mine!

Source: Susanne Schmidt

There, you'll swap your thick safety shoes for diving fins and venture underwater into the past of the miners who once toiled underground here. In 1985, the mine was closed and flooded. You can dive to depths of up to 39 meters in some places. However, you must have a valid cave diving certificate. According to the site's own information, the slate mine in Nuttlar is the largest diveable mine in Germany and is one of the 50 best diving spots in the world.

• Nuttlar Slate Mine Visitor Center: Briloner Straße 48a, Bestwig
• Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Entrance fee: Day ticket for certified cave divers 69 euros, book online

The Harz Mountains boast many old mines and stalactite caves. But one stands out: The Iberg in Bad Grund in the Upper Harz was once located thousands of kilometers away in the South Seas. The original coral reef is said to have formed more than 300 million years ago in what is now Madagascar.

The Hübich Hall in the Iberg stalactite cave in the Harz Mountains.

Source: Günter Jentsch / Image rights: HEZ

It also took several million years for the limestone massif to move into the northern hemisphere, reaching Germany. Today, the Iberg Dripstone Cave is an adventure visitor center. On the underground tour and in the adjoining museum, you can find fossilized sea creatures and learn more about the phenomenon.

• Cave Adventure Center at Iberg: An der Tropfsteinhöhle 1, Bad Grund
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Admission: Adults 10 euros, children and young people up to 17 years 6.50 euros

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter , and the best travel deals on our deals page .