Bärenhöhle in Goslar

Well hidden near the Granestausee lake on the Königsberg south-west of Goslar is the Bärenhöhle, an artificially created cave that is particularly popular with hikers as an excursion destination. However, it is not a cave in the true sense of the word, and it is doubtful that it really had anything to do with a bear.

History and naming of the bear cave

The Bear Cave near Goslar is merely a mine entrance that is popularly known as a cave. Strictly speaking, the term "cave" is incorrect, as it was not created by a natural process. In this case, it was man who began mining the rock and thus created the cave.

For many years, slate mining played a central role in Goslar's economy. The material was extracted from various locations in the mountains surrounding the town and the work was mainly carried out in open-cast mines. Slate mining also began in Königsberg in the 19th century, but this endeavour was discontinued relatively quickly. What finally remained was the Bärenhöhle in its present form. To this day, the traces of the former era of slate mining can still be seen on the rocks, although the cave is unfortunately only accessible at the entrance to prevent it from being polluted. However, the cave area behind it can also be recognised with a torch through the grating that serves as a barrier.

The cave was named after an alleged bear that is said to have found its home in the former mine. However, there are no reports of wild bears living in the Harz Mountains in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the entrance to the cave would probably have been far too narrow for such an animal.

Hiking to the bear cave

The easiest way to reach this popular mining relic is via the "Unter den Eichen" car park between Königsberg and Steinberg. The hiking trail leads through the Schlüsseltal valley into the immediate vicinity of the cave. However, as there is no explicit signposting for the entrance, you should keep your eyes open here so as not to accidentally overlook the artificial cavity. Despite the lack of signposting, it is still relatively easy to reach.