Hintertuxer Gletscher
Discover the Majestic Hintertuxer Gletscher
Spannagel Cave: A Subterranean Glacier Adventure
Discover Austria's largest marble cave beneath the Hintertux Glacier. Guided tours, stunning formations, and thrilling cave trekking await!
Explore the mesmerizing Spannagel Cave beneath the Hintertux Glacier, Austria's largest marble cave, featuring stunning formations and guided tours. A unique natural wonder in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Spannagelhöhle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Public Transport
To reach the Spannagel Cave via public transport, take a train to Mayrhofen. From Mayrhofen, catch the Zillertal bus (Line 4102) to the 'Hintertux' stop. From there, walk southeast on the main road; after about 1 kilometer, you'll see signs directing you to the cave. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Bus fare from Mayrhofen to Hintertux is a few euros.
Cable Car & Walking
From Hintertux, take the Gletscherbahn 1 & 2 cable cars to the Tuxer Fernerhaus station. A round-trip ticket costs approximately €28.50 for adults and €18 for children (10-15 years). From the Tuxer Fernerhaus, it's a 10-minute downhill walk to the Spannagelhaus, where the cave entrance is located. Be prepared for snow and ice year-round, so wear appropriate footwear.
Parking
Free parking is available between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at the Hintertux Glacier valley station. From the parking area, proceed to the Gletscherbahn cable cars to reach the cave entrance.
Local tips
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Wear sturdy shoes as the cave floor can be uneven and slippery.
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Bring a light jacket; the cave maintains a cooler temperature than the outside.
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Check the tour schedule in advance, as tours can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
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Combine your visit with hiking trails nearby for a full day of adventure.
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Photography is allowed, but be mindful of flash restrictions inside the cave.
Discover more about Spannagelhöhle
Venture into the depths of the Spannagel Cave, a captivating natural monument hidden beneath the majestic Hintertux Glacier in Tyrol, Austria. With a measured length of approximately 12.5 kilometers, it is the largest rock cave in the Central Alps.
Discovered in 1919 by Alois Hotter, the cave's exploration began in earnest in 1960. Since 1994, a 500-meter section near the entrance has been accessible to visitors via guided tours. These tours, led by knowledgeable guides, showcase the cave's stunning marble formations, crystals, and erosion patterns. The cave maintains a cool temperature, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.
The cave is named after Dr. Rudolf Spannagel, the president of the Austrian Tourist Club (ÖTK) from 1902 to 1904. The entrance lies below the Spannagelhaus, a mountain hut.
For a more adventurous experience, consider booking a cave trekking tour to explore deeper into the system. These tours, require advance booking, and take you through sections otherwise only accessible to experienced speleologists.
The Spannagel Cave is a family-friendly destination, ideal for visiting even in bad weather. Combine your visit with hiking, skiing, and sightseeing in the surrounding Tux region to fully immerse yourself in the Austrian Alps.
A brief summary to Spannagelhöhle
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