The Carinthian stalactite cave is actually a huge system of stalactite caves located south of the city of Klagenfurt and a short drive from the Austrian border with Slovenia. The 800-meter guided tour deep inside the cave is fascinating, during which you can see an extraordinary combination of unique natural formations and exciting innovative technology. The temperature in the cave is kept at around 8 degrees Celsius throughout the year, so it’s important to arrive well-dressed!
General Information about the Carinthian Stalactite Cave
The Obir Stalactite Caves (Obir-Tropfsteinhöhlen) are located near the village of Bad Eisenkappel in the Karavanke mountain range, which forms part of Austria’s border with Slovenia. The cave is located in the depths of the highest mountain in this range, called Hochobir Unterschärffler, which rises to a height of 2,141 meters above sea level. Inside the mountain, there are no less than 100 kilometers of tunnels!
This area is rich in minerals and was used for many years for mining minerals and metals. At the end of the 19th century, metal mining in this area ceased, and as early as the beginning of the 20th century, tours of the stalactite cave began on a very limited basis. Only in the last 30 years has the stalactite cave become a popular tourist destination, and so far, about a million visitors have been there.
The Tour of the Carinthian Stalactite Cave – What Do You See?
The stalactite cave has tunnels about 100 kilometers long, but only 800 meters of them can be visited as part of a guided tour. The tour includes several stations that will teach you about the lives of the miners in the area and the formation of stalactites and stalagmites. The tour impressively combines wonderful nature with various sounds, lights, and videos. Walking through the cave passages requires climbing up and down many stairs.
The tour begins in the Wilhelm tunnel, where the tools of the miners who worked on the site are displayed. Afterward, there is a short film about the discovery of the caves. From there, you continue to the first cave space, which contains stalactites of various types and special shapes. This space is called the “Indian Cave.” At the end of this space, there is a passage that leads to the “Long Cave,” along which there are uniquely shaped stalactites that look like the ancient musical instrument, the organ. In the long cave, there are stalagmites that resemble a pagoda temple (an ancient temple from the Far East). Towards the end of the tour, you can see special images projected on the cave walls, showing other parts of it that are not open to visitors.
This is what the cave looks like
The Cave Tour
Entrance to the cave is possible only with a certified guide. The tour is in German, but you can take audio guides in English (for an additional fee).
- The Classic Tour: For an hour and a half, you will walk among the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave and pass through its various parts as detailed above. At the entrance, you will receive a helmet with a flashlight.
How to get to the Carinthian Stalactite Cave?
The stalactite cave is located outside the village, and it is not possible to reach it by car. After parking your car in the village car park (where the ticket office for the cave is also located), you can reach it in two ways:
- By bus: There is a dedicated shuttle that runs frequently between the ticket offices in the center of the village and the entrance to the cave. The journey takes about 30 minutes up the mountain, and along the way, you can enjoy the wonderful views of the valley and the mountains.
- On foot: For lovers of nature trails, there is an option to go up to the entrance of the cave on foot. There is a regulated hiking trail that starts from the car park in the village of Zauchen. The entrance to the cave is at an altitude of 1,078 meters, and the ascent takes an hour and a half. The return journey can be made by bus, but you must notify the ticket office in advance.
Safety Instructions and Restrictions
Due to the low temperature inside the cave (8 degrees Celsius throughout the year) and the dampness in various parts of the cave, you must bring warm clothing and good, closed-toe walking shoes (preferably with non-slip soles). Entrance to the cave is permitted for children aged 4 and over.
If you participate in the regular tour, it is not possible to take photos at all during the tour, and you must stick with the guide and listen to their instructions. Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in all parts of the cave.
Additional Essential Information for Visiting the Carinthian Stalactite Cave
It is recommended to plan at least 3 hours for the visit to the cave. The bus ride up and down alone takes about an hour, and the tour of the cave takes about an hour and a half. At the end of the tour, you can sit and eat at the on-site restaurant and enjoy the breathtaking views of southern Carinthia.
Opening Hours:
The cave is open from the end of April to mid-October. Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Costs:
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office located in the main square of the village of Bad Eisenkappel. Due to the limited places on each tour, it is mandatory to book a place in advance through the website or by phone.
The regular admission ticket includes the bus ride to and from the cave, safety equipment, and a guide. The cost of this ticket is:
- Adult – €29
- Child (4-15) – €15
- Family ticket (2 parents + up to 3 children under 15) – €69.50
- Holders of the Carinthia Card (Kärnten Card) have free entry to the caves but must pay €5 for the bus ride.
If you choose to arrive at the cave entrance on foot, the entrance fee is:
- Adult – €23
- Child (4-15) – €13
- Family ticket (2 parents + up to 3 children under 15) – €53.50
- Free entry for holders of the Carinthia Card.
Advance Ticket Booking:
- Online
- Phone: +43 (0) 4238 8239
Audio Guides:
You can take an audio guide for the tour of the cave. The languages offered are: English, Dutch, Italian, Slovenian, and Hungarian. The audio guide is an additional charge to the cave entrance fee.
Address (Ticket Office): Hauptplatz 7, 9135 Bad Eisenkappel
Map:
