Spannagelhöhle, Zillertal Alps Travel Guide

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Explore Austria's largest marble cave, a natural wonder beneath the Hintertux Glacier, with guided tours and thrilling cave trekking adventures.

Descend into the heart of the Zillertal Alps and explore the Spannagel Cave, Austria's largest marble cave. With over 12.5 kilometers of explored passages, this natural monument offers guided tours through its fascinating formations, revealing a world shaped by water and glacial ice over millennia. Discovered in 1919, the cave provides a unique glimpse into the geological history of the region.

A brief summary to Spannagelhöhle

Hintertux 779, Tux, 6294, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Spannagelhöhle.

Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as the cave maintains a cool temperature year-round.
Check the tour schedule in advance, as tours are offered at specific times throughout the day.
Consider booking a cave trekking tour for a more adventurous experience, but be prepared for physical challenges.
Note that the cave is closed in May.

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Getting There

Cable Car & Walking

To reach the Spannagel Cave, begin at the Hintertux Glacier valley station. Take the Gletscherbahn 1 & 2 cable cars to the Tuxer Fernerhaus station at 2,660m. 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. Free parking is available between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at the Hintertux Glacier valley station.

Discover more about Spannagelhöhle

The Spannagel Cave, near Hintertux in Tyrol, is a captivating natural wonder and the largest marble cave in the Central Alps. Stretching over 12.5 kilometers, this extensive cave system is a testament to the powerful forces of nature that have sculpted its intricate interior. A guided tour takes you through the first 500 meters of the cave, revealing a subterranean world adorned with stunning marble formations, erosion cauldrons and crystal.The cave's story began in 1919 when Alois Hotter, the innkeeper of the Spannagelhaus, discovered its entrance. Originally known as the 'Grausliches Loch' and used as a rubbish pit, its true potential was not realized until the 1960s when exploration and surveying began. In 1964, the cave was designated a natural monument, recognizing its scientific importance.The Spannagel Cave lies within a unique geological setting. The main Alpine ridge of the Zillertal Alps consists largely of granite gneiss, but a layer of marble limestone extends from Hintertux to the Spannagelhaus. This marble vein, formed from Jurassic marine limestone transformed by immense pressure and temperatures, is where the cave system developed.Visitors can explore the cave on guided tours that reveal its fascinating features. Equipped with helmets and protective coats (and rubber boots for skiers), you'll descend into the Main Gallery, where you can witness the erosive power of ancient torrents. The tour continues through corridors with 'portholes', past kettle-shaped washouts, and across a suspension bridge spanning the Dr. Lorenz Shaft. A small cave museum displays special finds from within the cave, providing further insight into its history and formation. For the adventurous, cave trekking tours are available, venturing deeper into the cave's unexplored reaches. These tours require a good level of fitness and surefootedness, as they involve navigating challenging passages, ladders, and even rappelling down shafts.