Spannagel Cave

Spannagel Cave outside of Hintertux is a unique feature of the Zillertal. Its beauty is always guaranteed to amaze visitors.

Extending out some 10 km in length, it is actually the longest explored cave in Europe, though guided tours only penetrate about 500 m in. The cave entrance is at the Spannagelhaus, which is located only 10 minutes from the summit terminal of the Zillertal Glacier Lift. Spannagel Cave provides fascinating insights into the high-alpine karst formations of this glacial region.

The main alpine ridge consists mainly of ancient rocks.  But in this particular area, we find a vein of marble (crystalline  limestone) stretching from Hintertux to the south and the Spannagelhaus. The Spannagel cave system, with all its natural wonders, lies within this layer of marble. Your experienced tour guides will explain to you all about these rocks, how the cave was created and formations along the way (a variety of sinter formations, dripstones, crystals, banded marble, colored marble ...), cave flora and the cave's climate. The air in the cave also has positive health benefits for those suffering from lung complaints.

Prior to the discovery of Spannagel Cave, the cave entrance was known locally as a "Fearful Hole", used as a place to dump trash by the then owner of the hut, Alois Hotter, back in 1919.  But in 1964, the cave and the surrounding area were designated as a protected natural monument, and in 1994, a private initiative resulted in the cave first being opened to the public. Nowadays, it is a very special attraction for big and small.

In the eastern section is a cave museum, where rare minerals and crystals from the cave are on display.  If you would like to explore even more of the cave, there are also opportunities to go caving. A man-made, 20 m-deep ice cave also allows you to see the annual rings created by the Tuxer glacier.

Tours led by state-certified cave guides - daily beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting about 1 hour.

Equipment: helmet, jacket, boots are provided
Price for the Ride Up: € 17.00 for adults, € 12.00 for children, children up to age 10 (accompanied by a parent) are free.

Open year-round!!