Schwarzbachloch

The Schwarzbach stream emerges from Schwarzbachloch, an active water-filled cave at the foot of the Reiter Alm massif.

Schwarzbachloch is the source of the Schwarzbach stream, the most important drainage outlet on the northern side of the Reiter Alm massif. The geological structure of the Reiter Alm massif is particularly fascinating. Rainwater seeps through cracks and fissures in the limestone until it reaches an impermeable layer of dolomite deep underground. Unable to penetrate this layer, the water accumulates and forms a groundwater table that emerges at Schwarzbachloch. In this zone, water gradually dissolves the limestone, creating underground cavities that eventually form a spring cave.

Exploring the cave system beneath Reiter Alm

Exploring Schwarzbachloch presents an enormous challenge for cave researchers. They must dive through submerged passages known as siphons, which requires extensive technical equipment. Transporting that equipment through the cave is equally demanding, with extremely difficult conditions along the way.

To make these expeditions possible, cave divers have established a special bivouac between the fifth and sixth siphons. After all, simply reaching the farthest explored sections of the cave and returning takes approximately two and a half days.

Schwarzbach Nature Reserve

The flow of water in the Schwarzbach stream varies considerably with the seasons. Water levels in the cave are lowest in winter, while heavy summer rainfall and melting snow bring the highest flows. From its source, the Schwarzbach flows above ground for approximately 6 kilometers, descending 290 meters before joining the Saalach River near Unterjettenberg, between the municipalities of Schneizlreuth and Weißbach an der Alpenstraße.

In 1996, the Schwarzbach stream, its surrounding slopes, and Schwarzbachloch spring cave, which had already been designated a natural monument, were placed under protection as a nature reserve covering approximately 51 hectares.

Schwarzbachalm alpine pasture

Schwarzbachloch lies at the edge of the grazing land surrounding Schwarzbachalm. This lower-elevation alpine pasture is managed in early summer and fall by several alpine farmers from the neighboring communities of Ramsau, Bischofswiesen, and Schneizlreuth.