Spannagelhöhle (Cave) in Tyrol

The main Alpine ridge of the Zillertal Alps consists largely of granite gneiss. However, as a geological peculiarity, a layer of marble limestone extends from Hintertux southwards. Larger caves in the Central Alps are almost always associated with the occurrence of carbonate rocks, which due to their solubility in water enable cave formation. Here at the Hintertux Glacier, water and glacial ice have formed a cave system over 10 km long with numerous natural wonders.

Research on the Spannagel Cave began only in the 1960s, and in 1964 it was placed under federal monument protection. Since 1994, the front part of the cave has been made accessible to visitors through private initiative. The area of the show cave is about 500 m deep and can be visited all year round, equipped with a helmet and protective coat, under expert guidance.

The entrance to the cave is located directly at the Spannagelhaus, just 10 minutes from the mountain station of the Zillertal Glacier Cable Car. In addition to protective clothing, skiers are also provided with rubber boots. After entering, you pass through several corridors with "portholes" and kettle-shaped washouts to the so-called "water corridor", where a small cave museum is set up displaying special finds from inside the cave. Steep stairs and partly narrow corridors lead even deeper into the cave, a suspension bridge spans a dark shaft. In between, spacious halls with beautiful marble formations suddenly impress.

The deeper cave areas are still reserved for experienced cave researchers. However, for the brave and adventurous, there is the opportunity to penetrate the rear parts of the cave as part of a three to four-hour cave trekking. This also involves ladders and climbing passages, and at one point you have to rappel down about 18 m, and for one or another tight spot, you should not be too corpulent. In return, you are rewarded with magnificent stalactites and marble formations that leave an unforgettable impression.