A genuine Erdstall

The Erdstall at the Schießl-Hof has been known since time immemorial.

Ground plan of the Erdstall beneath the Schießl-Hof according to site measurements. (Plan: Excavation Team 1978)

The first reference to the Erdstall can be found in Franz Xaver von Schönwerth’s three-volume book Aus der Oberpfalz – Sitten und Sagen (‘From Upper Palatinate – Customs and Legends’), published 1856–1859. Members of the Arbeitskreis für Erdstallforschung e. V. (‘Working Group for Erdstall Research’) and pupils of Neunburg secondary school under the direction of Theo Männer documented it in 1978. Several finds were recovered, especially from the front part, among them about 300 shards of pottery vessels, glass shards, fragments of brick, and iron objects.

At first, the passage tapers off like a funnel. Beyond, a chamber branches off to the left. The main passage then narrows into a slip, with a blind chamber at right angles behind it. The system was dug into craggy rock, so ceiling and walls are very rough and irregular.

Current access deviates from the original medieval entrance, which due to constructional modifications cannot be reconstructed.

Protecting the Erdstall during the renovation and conversion of the Schießl-Hof in 2017 to 2019 was an extremely challenging and complex task. The experience gained from these efforts will, it is hoped, benefit work at other Erdställe.

For security reasons, it is not allowed to enter the Erdstall. The surface material is very brittle. In Rabmühle and Arnschwang, you have the opportunity to explore Erdställe for yourself. More information on www.Erdstall.de.