Pottenstein, Germany

So we headed to Pottenstein, Germany for our next adventure! We heard of something called Teufelshöhle......which translates to 'Devil's Cave'. With a name like that who wouldn't be interested? We were excited to find that Pottenstein had much more to offer!

When we arrived in Pottenstein we headed straight for the cave. It was a rainy day and pretty chilly but we were ready.  The first thing to be aware of when visiting the cave is that there are OVER 400 steps! So if you cannot navigate stairs this is not a trip for you! Also, strollers are NOT an option through the cave. There is photography allowed in the cave but ONLY withOUT flash.

When the cave was first discovered, hundreds of years ago, by the local residents, they named it "Teufelsloch" (Devil's Hole). However, when they explored more and found the vastness of the cave they changed the name to "Teufelshöhle". The cave is absolutely gorgeous! There are limestone formations that are over 300,000 years old that are quite amazing. The combinations of stalactites (limestone formations hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (limestone formations growing from the ground) are truly beautiful. Also inside they have a complete skeleton of a cave bear that is about 12 feet high and weighed around 900 lbs.

From April through October the cave is open everyday with the box office open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. With tours starting about every 15 - 30 minutes. From November through March the cave is open every day, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with the box office open from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. During this time tours begin at 11:00 A.M., 12:20 P.M., 1:40 P.M., and 3:00 P.M.

The tours are about 45 minutes long and the guide gives the tour in German but there is a recording that he plays after he speaks that is in English. The cost for the tour is 5,00€ per adult (16 yrs+), 3,00€ per child (4-15 yrs) and 13,50€ for a family ticket (parents and minimum 2 own children between 4-15 yrs). There are different rates for groups. There is also a special tour that you can take called the Devil's Cave Exclusive which runs about 100 minutes and is offered the last Friday of the month through the summer months. This tour cost 9,00€ for adults and 8,00€ for children.

There is a small cafe/restaurant at the entrance of the Cave and where the exit comes out. We had about 30 minutes to wait before our tour started so since it was so cold we got the kids some hot chocolate and the hubby got an iced coffee. It was a cute little cafe with indoor (limited)/ outdoor seating and the prices weren't terrible. They have little souvenir type things that you can purchase as well. There are also bathrooms here that you can use as well.

The amazing sights weren't over when the tour ended. As we walked out of the cave at the end of the tour, we were pleasantly surprised by the AMAZING sights and views that we got to experience on the walk back to the entrance along the trail.

After the Devil's Cave we headed to the Pottenstein Castle. The thing about this castle, it is still a home to the owners. So, they have a small part of the castle that you can go through but since it is still inhabited, you are unable to tour the entire castle. The part that you can tour is VERY small and honestly....had I known I would not have paid to see it.

There are quite a few stairs to walk up to the entrance and there are NO pictures allowed to be taken inside. Then there is a small part that you can see outside. However, the views are pretty amazing! It was 13,00€ for the family admission to the castle.

When we were planning our trip to Pottenstein, we had planned to go to Sommerrodelbahnen Pottenstein. However, since it was raining the rides weren't open and it wasn't ideal weather to be in the boats either :( So we decided to walk around downtown and check it out a little.

We were excited to find a medieval torture museum to explore. It was 4,00€ per person to check it out but it was really interesting! I enjoyed it.

The lady at the door was worried about us bringing in the children but they loved it too! There are pictures allowed in the museum. While we were walking through, we were literally the ONLY people in the building, which was really nice. It gave us the chance to explore and take our time.

After the torture museum, we walked around the town a little and checked out some stores (and a bakery)! It is a beautiful town and we can't wait to go back and check out the things that we missed! I would definitely suggest a trip to Pottenstein if you have the chance. It is only about 45 minutes away from Vilseck. So an easy day trip!