Baumann's Cave

Baumann's Cave (Baumannshohle) in Rubeland, Harz district, is Germany's oldest show cave, formed in Devonian limestone dating back over 350 million years. The cave has been used by humans since the Stone Age, with finds of bones, pottery shards, and stone tools attesting to early occupation. Open to the public with guided tours since 1649 when Valentin Wagner became its first cave guide, it was also recognized as the first legally protected natural monument in Germany. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the cave three times between 1777 and 1784, lending his name to the Goethesaal, the cave's largest chamber, which now serves as a unique underground venue for theatre performances and concerts.