Spannagel Cave

Spannagel Cave near Hintertux is a special attraction in the Ziller Valley. Visitors marvel at its beauty. With a total depth of 10 km, it is the longest explored cave in Europe. However guided tours go only as far as 500 m. The entrance to the cave is next to the Spannagelhaus mountain hut, only 10 minutes from the Ziller Valley glacier lift's mountain station.

Spannagel Cave offers views of the high Alpine karstification of the glacier region. The Alpine divide consists mainly of bedrock. However, there are stretches of marble (crystalline lime) from Hintertux and southward to Spannagelhaus. The Spannagel cave system and its natural wonders is found in the marble layer. Tours lead by experienced cave guides lend insight into the cave's rocks, how it was made, and the various formations found in the cave (sinter formations, stalactites, crystals, banded marble, coloured marble, etc.) as well as cave flora and fauna, and the climate of the cave. The cave air is especially good for those with lung illnesses.

Before the Spannagel Cave was discovered, the cave's entrance was described as a 'grisly hole' and used as a rubbish pit in 1919 by Alois Hotter, the hut's innkeeper. In 1964, the cave and its surroundings came under the protection of the federal government's preservation order. In July of 1994, the cave was opened to visitors through a private initiative. Today it is especially popular among both young and old.

The cave's museum is located in the eastern part of the cave. Here you can see rare rocks and crystals from the inner part of the cave. Those who want to learn more about the cave can take a cave trekking tour. An artificially created 20-m deep glacial cave allows you to see the growth rings of the Tux Glacier.

• Tours are given by state-certified cave guides daily from 10:00 AM on. Tours last 1 hour.
• Equipment: Helmets, jackets, and boots are provided.
• Price for the ascent: EUR 17.00 for adults, EUR 12.00 for children; children under 10 are free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

Open daily all year round!