The Lurgrotte stalactite cave was discovered at the end of the 19th century by the Italian explorer Max Brunello, and archaeological findings within it document life from prehistoric times. Until 1975, it was possible to cross the cave and get from one village to another, but after a major flood that year, the passage was permanently blocked.
The only way to see the cave is through a guided tour. Today, separate guided tours are held at both entrances to the cave. On each tour, you can see different spectacular chambers with stalactites and stalagmites in extraordinary shapes. The abundant water flowing within it adds to its unique beauty.
The temperature inside the cave is kept constantly around 10 degrees Celsius, so you need to bring warm clothing when visiting.
This is what the Lurgrotte stalactite cave looks like
Guided Tours in the Lurgrotte Stalactite Cave
The cave offers several experiential tours. The tours take place in several parts of the cave.
The Guided Tour in Peggau (Lurgrotte Peggau)
From this entrance, several tours begin deep into the cave. The shortest tour lasts about an hour and passes along well-maintained and illuminated paths between the various cave chambers, up to a depth of one kilometer inside the cave. There is an option for a longer two-hour tour, which enters a part of the cave that is not illuminated at all. Using advanced LED flashlights, you slowly advance through the cave passages to a depth of two kilometers.
The certified guide will explain the history of the cave, its interesting findings, and of course, the stalactites and stalagmites found along the route.
Please note: In case of very rainy weather, there is a risk of flooding inside the cave, so the long tour may not take place as scheduled.
In the winter months only (from December to March), a very adventurous tour takes place inside the cave. On this tour, you go up to a depth of 4 kilometers! During this tour, you will receive proper safety equipment and will have to climb, crawl, and walk in icy water for part of the time. The tour lasts between 4-6 hours, and you will see places inside the cave that many will not see, and interesting animals that live deep within the earth’s passages.
Short Tour Times:
- April: Tuesday to Saturday at 11:00, 14:00, 15:00.
- Beginning of May to beginning of July: Every day (including Sundays and holidays) at 11:00, 14:00, 15:00. On weekends at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00.
- July to beginning of September: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00.
- Beginning of September to beginning of October: Every day (including Sundays and holidays) at 11:00, 14:00, 15:00. On weekends at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00.
- The cave is closed from November to the end of March.
Cost:
- Adult – €12
- Youth (15 to 18) – €8.50
- Child (up to 15) – €8
- Please note: In summer, the tour is subject to a minimum of at least two adult participants; in winter, 5 participants. Photography is forbidden.
Two-Hour Tour Times:
- From April 1st to October 31st, every day (including Sundays and holidays) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The tour departs every hour on the hour (from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM).
Cost:
- Adult – €17
- Child (up to 15) – €11
- Youth (15 to 18) – €11.50
- Please note: Subject to a minimum of at least 10 adult participants. A flashlight is provided as part of the entrance fee, but you can also bring one from home. You must book at least two days in advance. Photography is forbidden.
- In case of very rainy weather, the long tour will not take place due to fear of flooding inside the cave.
Adventurous Tour:
- The adventurous tour takes place from November to March, and you must book in advance to participate. At least 6 participants are required for the tour to take place.
Cost:
- €80 per participant.
- Email for contact and registration: <a href=”mailto:lurgrotte@gmx.net”>lurgrotte@gmx.net</a>
The Guided Tour in Semriach (Lurgrotte Semriach)
From this entrance to the cave, there is a guided tour up to a depth of 2 kilometers inside the cave. On this tour, you can see the largest chamber in this cave, known as the Great Dome or the Bear’s Chamber (because bear bones were found there). This chamber is 120 meters long, 80 meters wide, and 40 meters high – it is one of the largest among the stalactite caves in Central Europe. The Bear’s Chamber is impressively illuminated during the guided tour. At a depth of 2 kilometers, you can see the “Giant” stalactite, which weighs 40 tons! This is the largest stalactite found so far in stalactite caves worldwide.
Tour Times:
- Summer (April 15 to October 31):
- Every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Tours that do not require advance booking take place at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30.
- In July and August, additional tours take place at 12:40 and 19:40.
- Please note: The tour is subject to a minimum of 5 adult participants.
- Winter (November 2 to April 15):
- Saturdays at 14:00. Sundays at 11:00.
- No tours will be held on 24.12 and 25.12.
- From 26.12 to 6.1, tours will be held every day at 11:00 AM.
Cost:
- Adult – €12
- Child – €8
- Student – €10
- Please note: The tour is subject to a minimum of 5 adult participants.
Additional Essential Information for Visiting the Lurgrotte Stalactite Cave
The driving distance between the cave entrance in Peggau and the entrance in Semriach is about 20 minutes. The tour in Semriach is more suitable for those interested in a light tour that does not require too challenging a walk.
Official website for the cave entrance in Peggau (German)
Address: Lurgrottenstrasse 1, 8120 Peggau
Map:
Official website for the cave entrance in Semriach (German)
Address: Lurgrottenstraße 1, A-8102 Semriach
Map:
The city of Graz, the capital of the state of Styria, is a 40-minute drive from the Lurgrotte stalactite cave. It is recommended to visit Graz, even for a few hours. The old city center and the hill with the clock tower are absolutely beautiful! Read comprehensive information about the city in the detailed article we have prepared.
