Kolowratshöhle

The Kolowratshöhle is a cave in the Untersberg, part of the Berchtesgaden Alps near Grödig. It sits on the northern side of the massif and was named after Count Franz Anton von Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky. The cave was first discovered in 1842 by a farmer from the nearby Oberen Rosittenalm. A state minister later funded the path from Glanegg to the cave. By 1845, organised expeditions had begun exploring its icy entrance hall. The cave is worth visiting for its long history and vast underground network. It connects to the Gamslöcher system, discovered in 1979, and the Salzburgerschacht in 2004. Together, these form a 38-kilometre system reaching over 1,100 metres deep. Experts believe the full network could stretch 70 kilometres, though much may lie underwater. The drainage flows to the Fürstenbrunner Quellhöhle. In 1866, politician Gustav von Lerchenfeld died after falling in the cave. Visitors find a large entrance hall with ice formations, though much has melted since the entrance was widened. The cave’s passages lead deep into the mountain, offering challenging routes for explorers. Maps and sketches guide those who venture inside. The surrounding Untersberg provides dramatic alpine scenery. Nearby trails allow hikers to reach the cave’s entrance. The area remains a focus for ongoing speleological research.