Marienglashöhle Friedrichroda
Show mine with a gypsum crystal grotto and cave lake in the Thuringian Forest, visitable only on guided tours of about 45 minutes.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
In 1775, work began at the foot of the Abtsberg on an entrance adit to look for copper. No copper shale was found; instead, in 1778 a gypsum deposit was struck, which was mined underground until 1903. In 1784 the miners discovered a cavity about ten meters across, almost completely lined with colorless, transparent gypsum crystals up to 90 centimeters long. The "Marienglas" (Mary glass) was used as decoration for chandeliers, altars and images of Mary, and gave the cave its name.
After gypsum mining ended in 1903, the mine opened as a show mine. Because most of the cavities come from mining and only the crystal grotto is natural, the Marienglashöhle is also considered a show mine. The route runs through the 110-meter entrance adit with geological windows, past an artificial waterfall and the extension gallery to the crystal grotto on the lower level, then back along the cave lake.
Next to the entrance, a GeoInfoCenter provides information about the UNESCO Global GeoPark Thüringen Inselsberg and the formation of the Thuringian Forest. The offer also includes cave concerts and "Heiraten unter Tage" (underground weddings).
Highlights
- Crystal grotto with gypsum crystals up to 90 cm long
- Cave lake and artificial waterfall
- 110 m entrance adit with geological windows
- GeoInfoCenter with a permanent exhibition on Earth history and the geopark
- Concerts and weddings underground
Permanent exhibitions
- Schaubergwerk Marienglashöhle – Guided walk through the former gypsum adit with the crystal grotto, cave lake and geological windows.
- Leben vor 230 Millionen Jahren und heute – Permanent exhibition in the GeoInfoCenter next to the cave entrance on Earth history and the UNESCO Global GeoPark Thüringen Inselsberg.
- Founded
- 1903
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €9.50Holders of a Kurkarte (local spa guest card), severely disabled persons, pupils, students and trainees with ID |
| Children & teens | €7.50free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 16 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €9.50Severely disabled persons with ID |
| Students & apprentices | €9.50Pupils, students and trainees with photo ID |
| Groups (15+ people) | €9.50 per personFrom 15 people, per person |
| Families | €302 adults and 2 children |
| Children aged 6–16, reduced | €6 |
| Children aged 6–16 from Friedrichroda | €1 |
| Children's groups and school classes (per person) | €5For Friedrichroda schools and kindergartens, €1 per person |
Special tours on request.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only the upper level is accessible by wheelchair; the tour covers about 100 steps.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €30 · 2 adults and 2 children |
- Family tours & workshops
Family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children; occasional family tours in the dark with flashlights.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
"Marienglashöhle" stop on the Thüringerwaldbahn (Thuringian Forest tram) at the B 88.
By car
Parking available
Large car park on the B 88 near the cave.
Amenities & dining
Next to the cave entrance is a service building with the GeoInfoCenter and a food and drink service.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Weddings ("Heiraten unter Tage") on request; concerts in the cave.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN, NL, RU, FR) |
| Good to know | Visits only as part of a guided tour (maximum 60 people). The cave is 8–10 °C all year round, so warm clothing is recommended. Dogs only with a muzzle; smoking and alcohol are not allowed. |
