Genovevahöhle

The Genovevahöhle is a small, legend-filled cave near Kordel in the Südeifel region of Rheinland-Pfalz. It stands on a steep slope above the Kutbach stream, just below the ruins of the ancient Hochburg hill fort. The cave lies in a quiet wooded valley, far from main roads, giving it an air of mystery. The cave’s legend dates back to the 19th century, when a local official recognised its link to the tale of Genoveva. According to the story, Pfalzgraf Siegfried’s wife was falsely accused of infidelity and forced to live in the wilderness with her son. A deer provided them with milk until they were reunited years later. The cave became known as the Genovevahöhle after this tale spread during the Romantic era. Inside, the cave is about 15 metres wide with a ceiling 8 to 10 metres high. Stone steps carved in 1910 lead up to it, and traces of old wooden huts remain visible. Excavations outside the cave have uncovered tools from the late Stone Age, as well as Roman and Frankish pottery shards. Nearby, the Elterlay and Kutlei rock cliffs rise sharply, adding to the dramatic landscape.