On a sunny spring day in April, we set off for a unique adventure in the heart of the Swabian Alb—a landscape known for its rolling hills, dramatic rock formations, and fascinating caves. Our destination: Wimsen Cave (Wimsener Höhle), the only water cave in Germany accessible by boat, and the nearby town of Zwiefalten.

A Journey Underground: Exploring Wimsen Cave

Wimsen Cave, tucked into the Glastal Valley, is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb and holds a special claim to fame—it’s the deepest water cave in Germany that’s been explored to date. The cave is also known as Friedrichshöhle, named after Prince Friedrich I of Württemberg, who visited in 1803 before later becoming king.

The Zwiefalter Aach river, which runs through the valley, actually begins inside the cave. Though the full length of the cave stretches roughly a mile, visitors can glide about 230 feet (70 meters) into its mysterious depths by boat—water levels make anything beyond that off-limits for casual explorers.

As we drifted into the cool darkness, the boatman pointed out rock formations shaped by centuries of water flow. Somewhere far beyond the tourist route lies the “Treasure Chamber,” where archaeologists discovered Bronze Age bones—an ancient reminder of the cave’s long history.

Tip: Wimsen Cave is closed in winter and tickets should be purchased in advance on their Official Website. Parking near the cave is limited and fills up quickly, especially on nice weekends so check their website for parking options.

Riverside Wandering: From Hasenmühle to Zwiefalten

After the boat ride, we explored the nearby Hasenmühle mill, where kids can splash around at the small water playground next door. If you’re feeling hungry, the Bio-Gasthof Friedrichshöhle, run by TressBrüder, offers regional dishes made with organic ingredients—perfect for a light lunch or snack before continuing your day.

We decided to stretch our legs and follow the scenic path along the Zwiefalter Aach river towards Zwiefalten. The walk took about one hour, weaving through peaceful meadows and along the gentle flow of the river. It’s an easy, family-friendly trail with plenty of photo opportunities.

Zwiefalten: Baroque Beauty and Brewing Tradition

Zwiefalten sits at the confluence of two rivers, nestled halfway between Stuttgart and Lake Constance. The town’s history is deeply tied to the former Zwiefalten Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1089. Over the centuries, the complex has served many roles—from a spiritual center to a sanatorium, and tragically, during the Nazi era, as a transit site in the T4 euthanasia program. Today, it is home to the magnificent Zwiefalter Münster Unserer Lieben Frau (Church of Our Lady) and the Münsterklinik Zwiefalten, a psychiatric clinic. The Baroque façade and twin towers remain one of the town’s most striking landmarks.

For lunch, we grabbed a table on the sunny terrace of Zwiefalter Klosterbräu Brauhaus Gaststätte, where Swabian specialties and freshly brewed beers—still crafted according to the town’s 500-year-old brewing tradition—await. (Just a heads up—they’re closed on Tuesdays!)

Beer enthusiasts should pop across the street to the Zwiefalter Klosterbräu Bierhimmel, a shop packed with local beer varieties (from their signature Beschde Halbe 1521 to seasonal brews and organic options), along with branded glasses and lemonades. Let’s just say one of us left proudly sporting a Zwiefalter Klosterbräu 1521 t-shirt.

After lunch, we took a short stroll through the town and around the outside of the former monastery complex, including its stunning Baroque church, before retracing our steps along the river back toward the cave.

Location & Getting There

• By Car: Wimsen Cave is about 75 minutes from Stuttgart by car. Parking is available at the cave site, but space is limited. Please check their website for parking options. From there, it’s about an hour walk to Zwiefalten .
• Seasonal Access: The cave is typically open from spring through late autumn and is closed during the winter months for safety reasons.

On Foot: The Glastal-Rundweg – A Scenic Loop from the Cave

Although I haven’t done this hike myself, if you’re up for a bit more adventure after your boat ride into Wimsen Cave, the Glastal-Rundweg (Glastal Loop Trail) might be just the thing. This easy loop trail starts near the Wimsen Cave parking lot—the Komoot map linked below begins at a nearby bus stop, but the trail connects easily to the cave parking area—and leads you through the tranquil Glastal Valley, passing Hasenbach stream, a small waterfall, and wooden bridges tucked into the Swabian countryside. The route is about 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) and takes around one hour at a relaxed pace—perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the landscape.

For more info and a route map: Glastal Loop Trail on Komoot

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Whether you’re here for the geology, the history, the beer, or just a beautiful spring day out—this little corner of the Swabian Alb offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and a touch of adventure.

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Have you visited Wimsen Cave or Zwiefalten? Share your tips and favorite moments in the comments below!