Sinterröhrchenhöhle

The Sinterröhrchenhöhle is a small cave near Deutschfeistritz in the Steiermark region of Austria. It sits on the eastern slope of Kugelstein hill, just above the southern portal of the Kugelstein railway tunnel. The cave was uncovered during the tunnel’s construction in the 19th century and later sealed again.

The cave is only about 15 metres long but contains fine cave formations. A short entrance passage leads to a narrow fissure, followed by a small chamber measuring five metres by 1.5 metres. White stalactites and delicate sinter tubes up to half a metre long hang from the ceiling. A second low passage branches off, also decorated with stalactites.

Visitors find a quiet spot beside the railway line, with the cave entrance marked by a small metal grille. Inside, the floor is a mix of clay and frost-shattered rock. The cave’s modest size and delicate features make it an unusual place to see the slow work of dripping water over centuries.