The AGH was founded November 7, 1949 by Hans Schluchter, Bruno Bauer and Hugo Nuenlist.

Its history is closely linked to the one of the Hoelloch cave, the largest object of exploration activities. Already late 40 s some members of the study group started to have a closer look at the surface karst and caves. On one hand, many of the surface caves seemed to be connected to the Hoelloch and on the other hand the exploration of the main cave during summer times is too dangerous or even impossible.

Some of the milestones in exploration of the surface karst area was the discovery of the Schwyzerschacht (1974) - of which the cave mouth was known under the name Eisschacht since 1948 - the Iglu pit (1984) and their underground connection (1991).

The main targets of the study group are firstly, to completely explore the karst formations in and on the ground in the area described by river Starzlen - Bisis valley - Raetsch valley and secondly to encourage protection of nature in the region of its activities. Exploration for the members of the AGH does not only mean surveying passages and drawing maps but it also includes scientific work, such as water marking studies, quantitative and qualitative assessment of water level swings, water analysis, wireless transmission test, and so on. Since 1972, a subgroup - so called cave wardens - ensures and promotes protection of nature. The members can gain the necessary knowledge for all these tasks and additionally for safety aspects and cave rescue in internal and external trainings. The rescue team of the study group can be proud of its high level of knowledge.

Today the AGH counts today 143 members. Around 80 of them are more or less active in exploration and/or cave related nature protection.