Ötscher-Tropfsteinhöhle

The Ötscher-Tropfsteinhöhle is a show cave in the Ötscher-Tormäuer nature park in Lower Austria. It sits high in the limestone mountains at 710 metres above sea level. The cave entrance was long known as the Wetterloch, a shaft used by forest workers searching for silver ore. Early explorers found animal bones inside, dropped through the open shaft centuries ago.

The cave stretches about 575 metres in total and reaches a depth of 54 metres. Its passages are lined with stalactites and stalagmites formed from Gutensteiner limestone. The Märchenhalle, or fairy-tale hall, displays some of the most striking formations. Many bear names like Madonna, Elefantenohr or Flamingo, describing their shapes. Two small lakes, the Obersee and Untersee, lie hidden within the cave system.

A guided tour leads visitors along the lit pathways to view the formations and lakes. The cave is cared for by the Naturfreunde Kienberg-Gaming section, which has offered tours since 1926. A short artificial tunnel now provides easier access, though the original shaft entrance remains above it. In winter, bats shelter inside, while tiny springtails and water fleas live there year round.