Honau

Honau offers nature, culture and activities, each with a different focus. The Olgahöhle Cave combines striking rock formations with its history of electric lighting; at the Föhnerquelle spring, water flows out depending on certain weather conditions. When planning your trip, it is worth taking the relevant conditions into account: guided cave tours can be arranged on request, and the pool operates seasonally.

Olgahöhle Cave: Rock Formations and History

The Olgahöhle Cave in Honau is a remarkable show cave featuring unusual rock formations, massive blocks of moss tufa and calcareous tufa basins. It offers a glimpse into a diverse underground world of rock formations. In 1884, the cave was fitted with electric lighting, making it the first electrically lit cave in Germany. This history combines the natural features with a specific technical distinction. Guided tours of the cave can be arranged on request by the Honau local branch of the Swabian Alb Association (Schwäbischer Albverein e. V.).

Springs and Geological Setting

Honau lies on a roughly 18-hectare calcareous tufa bar, a sedimentary rock formation deposited by the Echaz. This geological context applies to the area as a whole and complements individual natural attractions such as the cave and springs with a broader geological perspective.

The Föhnerquelle spring is near the Honau sports ground. Water flows out of a rock opening after the snow melts or during prolonged rainfall. If you plan to visit this spring, take these conditions into account when choosing the time.

There is a place to sit at the Echaz spring basin for hikers and walkers. It can be included as a resting point in a break planned on foot.

Museum and Hauff Connections

The Wilhelm Hauff Museum in Lichtenstein-Honau features works by the writer Wilhelm Hauff in its exhibition. A free audio guide is available in German and English.

In the wider Lichtenstein destination, Wilhelm Hauff is also connected with the castle’s history: Lichtenstein Castle was built from 1840 to 1842 on the foundations of an older knight’s castle, inspired by Hauff’s novel “Lichtenstein.” The two Hauff connections have different focuses: the museum features the writer’s works, while his novel inspired the construction of the castle.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

The hiking trail from Lichtenstein Castle to Honau is 1.9 km long and takes 26 minutes. Check the route details before setting out; the distance and duration also give you a clear basis for planning.

On November 20, 2025, it was reported that the parallel cycle path on the former rack railway line between Lichtenstein-Honau and Engstingen was once again fully open to cyclists and pedestrians. If you plan to use it at a later date, check access conditions in advance.

The Pool and Seasonal Planning

The small, family-friendly pool is in a picturesque setting beneath Lichtenstein Castle in the Honau district. It operates seasonally, so check availability for your travel dates if you plan to visit.

More Routes in the Wider Lichtenstein Destination

The prepared Lichtenstein cross-country ski trail is 16 km long in total and designed as a combined trail for Nordic skiing and skating. As grooming depends on conditions, take this into account when planning a winter visit. In addition, stages 10 and 11 of the Albsteig (HW1) pass through Lichtenstein.

View the wider travel guide: Lichtenstein.