Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes
Saalfeld, Germany
A former alum slate mine whose dripstones glow ochre, green and blue, listed by Guinness as the world’s most colourful show caves. It stays cool inside all year.
The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes are a former alum-slate mine. Mining began in the 16th century and ended in the mid-19th century; the pit was rediscovered in 1910 and the first tours began in 1914. Mineral-rich dripping water has coloured the stalactites in many hues. Since 1993 the Guinness Book of Records has listed the Fairy Grottoes as the most colourful show caves in the world. The tour takes in the Blue Grotto, the spring grottoes and the Märchendom ("fairy-tale dome"), where the lighting is reflected in a small lake.
The tour lasts about 60 minutes; check dates and times on the Fairy Grottoes' website beforehand. The temperature in the grottoes stays at around 8 to 10 °C all year, so a warm jacket is sensible. Some passages are only about 1.30 m high, and sturdy footwear is recommended. Booking ahead is advisable during school holidays. There is a large car park next to the Grottoneum, a hands-on museum.
- Nearest town
- Saalfeld, Germany
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 50.6380, 11.3450
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Reisemobilplatz Saalfelder FeengrottenMotorhome stopover1 km from Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes · 10 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Caravanpark SchwarzatalCampsite7 km from Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes · 23 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Stellplatz SaaleStrandMotorhome stopover9 km from Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes · 5 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Wohnmobilstellplatz AuebadCampsite10 km from Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes · 10 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Zeltplatz Sport- und Freizeitzentrum UhlstädtCampsite14 km from Saalfeld Fairy GrottoesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- Naturcamping PlothentalCampsite22 km from Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes?
Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes is in Saalfeld, Germany, at GPS 50.6380, 11.3450. It is about 9 km from Rudolstadt.
Can you camp near Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Reisemobilplatz Saalfelder Feengrotten, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes?
Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Thuringian Forest: Wartburg to Weimar.
What is there to see near Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Großer Inselsberg (66 km), Margravial Opera House (79 km), Wartburg Castle (82 km) and Bamberg Old Town (89 km).
When is the best time to visit Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)