Höhlenwohnungen Langenstein

The Lord of the Rings, myths and hobbit caves in the middle of Germany? At least that's what you might think when you come across the surreal-looking cave dwellings in Langenstein. Because the grass, the doors in the rock face with their small windows, red curtains and tiny gardens with herbs and flowers really do make you feel as if you've arrived at the hobbits in the Harz Mountains.

Unique evidence of an earlier living culture

In the northern Harz foreland between Blankenburg and Halberstadt, the village of Langenstein awaits you with its cave dwellings carved out of sandstone. They are a testimony to Germany's former housing culture and were once inhabited by families of farm labourers. It is assumed that some of the cave dwellings were even inhabited during the Germanic settlement period. The cave dwellings located on Höhlenstraße on Schäferberg and on Altenburg Castle were inhabited until the end of the 20th century. In 1916, the last troglodyte, as the cave dwellers were known, finally moved out. Even though nobody would probably move in voluntarily nowadays, the cave dwellings were in keeping with the standard of living at the time. While the sandstone provided a pleasantly cool indoor climate in summer, the room temperature could be raised to normal temperatures in the cold winter by heating with stoves.

Opening hours, guided tours and directions

The cave dwellings in Langenstein in the Harz Mountains are still considered a comparatively secret and absolutely worth seeing excursion destination without many visitors, e.g. coach travellers or large tour groups. They are definitely worth a visit, and not just for Lord of the Rings fans. Thanks to the commitment of the "Langensteiner Höhlenwohnungen e.V." association, five of the caves can be visited on your own or with a guided tour (from 10 people and by appointment). There is no charge for admission or the guided tour, but the association, which is responsible for maintaining and organising the tours, would be grateful for a donation. Guided tours are possible from April to September between 9:00 and 18:00 and from October to March between 10:00 and 16:00, whereby the duration of the tour can be up to three hours depending on the route. The cave dwellings can be reached via the Bundesstraße 81 from Halberstadt in the direction of Blankenburg and Wernigerode, whereupon all you have to do is follow the signs.