Bennohöhle is a mysterious crevice cave in the Bielatal valley in Saxon Switzerland, formed from tumbled sandstone blocks. Stretching about 35 m in length and 13.5 m deep, it hides a faint carved inscription that has sparked legends for centuries.

The cave sits on the left side of the Biela valley, above the Ottomühle mill, surrounded by dense forest and dramatic sandstone scenery typical of the region. In summer, the cool interior offers welcome relief from the heat, while in winter snow often lingers at the entrance well into summer, much like at the nearby Eisloch. It's a quietly atmospheric spot, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature and local folklore.

How to get there

• Ottomühle in Bielatal — trail along the Biela valley, approx. 15-20 minutes, easy difficulty
• Further paths continue toward other crevice caves nearby, though these are accessible mainly to climbers and cavers

Practical information

• The cave has been open to visitors since around 1850 through a man-made entrance cut into the rock
• The original ladder entrance can now only be reached by climbing, as the ladder is gone
• Nearby caves, such as the Tiefe Höhle, are accessible only to experienced climbers and cavers

On the back wall, a barely legible inscription and a carved chalice have inspired tales of a fleeing medieval nobleman and a Hussite hermit named Benno — though the inscription later turned out to be a 19th-century fake created to attract tourists.