Kobelwald Kristallhöhle

Kristallhöhle Kobelwald is a show cave in the village of Kobelwald, part of the municipality of Oberriet in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen, in the Rhine Valley (Rheintal). Visitors come for its walls and fissures lined with grey and white calcite crystals, which make it one of the most admired show caves in Switzerland.

What will you see inside the cave?

The route leads through narrow passages and chambers glittering with calcite. Along the way you pass a small underground lake and a waterfall. The air stays cool at about 8.5°C all year, so bring a warm layer even on a hot day.

According to the showcaves.com catalogue, the whole cave is about 665 m long with a vertical range of roughly 91 m. Only a section is open to the public. Sources quote different lengths for the guided route, from about 128 m to about 256 m, so check the cave's own website for current details.

Can you explore it on your own?

No. Entry is only possible with a cave guide, and groups go in together. Passages are tight and damp and the floor can be slippery, so wear sturdy closed shoes.

How do you get there?

Kobelwald lies in the Rhine Valley, close to the Austrian and Liechtenstein borders. Several car parks sit near the entrance. From the nearest one, P3 "Tanzplatz", it is a walk of roughly 10 minutes along a forest path.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

The cave opens seasonally, roughly from Easter until early November. On Sundays and public holidays you can join a tour without booking ahead. On other days groups visit by prior arrangement, and during the peak of the summer school holidays it opens daily. Hours differ slightly between sources, so confirm them at kristallhoehle.ch before you travel.

The most recent price data lists adults at about CHF 10 and children aged 6 to 14 at about CHF 5. Prices may change from season to season.

What else is nearby?

The Rheintal is a broad, flat valley framed by the Appenzell hills and the Alpstein range, and the area around Oberriet offers quiet walks through meadows and orchards. A visit to the cave takes about an hour, so it pairs easily with a short hike. Because most of the time is spent underground, it also works well as a rainy-day outing for families.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter Kristallhöhle Kobelwald without a guide? No. Visits are only possible with a cave guide.

How far is the walk from the car park? From car park P3 "Tanzplatz" it takes about 10 minutes on foot.

Is the cave open all year? No. The season runs roughly from Easter to early November. Sundays and public holidays are the safest choice, since no reservation is needed then.

How cold is it inside? Around 8.5°C throughout the year, so dress warmly.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. Children aged 6 to 14 pay a reduced price, and the waterfall and crystals usually impress younger visitors. The route does require steady footing and good shoes.