Description
The underworld of the Ötscher
The Ötscher dripstone cave is a show cave located in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park (Lower Austria). The cave was explored by forest workers who probably entered the shaft known for a long time as Wetterloch, searching for silver ore, and were the first humans to see the natural spectacle formed from limestone deposits. The cave is typical for limestone mountain ranges (Gutenstein limestone), decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, especially recognizable in the so-called Fairy Tale Hall.
The hiking time without a guided tour is about 2.5 to 3 hours. The guided tour itself lasts about 45 minutes.
Starting point of the tour
Lackenhof, village center
Destination point of the tour
Schindlhütte
Route description Lackenhof - Ötscher dripstone cave - Schindlhütte
From Lackenhof, head towards Ötscherwiese, the outermost district of Lackenhof, and further to Raneck. There, the path leads through the Schönwald, a steeply sloping beech forest that offers a wonderful view of the steep north side of the Ötscher. Here you need to pay special attention to the path, as you can only walk in single file in some parts. Past the Kerschbaum farmhouse, after the following forest section, you will find the entrance to the Ötscher dripstone cave.
Here you can now, on a guided tour through the cool cave (about 4°C), dive into a world full of fascination and eternal darkness for 45 minutes.
The Ötscher dripstone cave (commonly called Kerschbaum cave after the neighboring farmhouse) was first opened for tours in 1926. It is 575m long, with a maximum height difference of 54m. Geological measurements have shown that the cave must be between 12,000 and 1.8 million years old.
Impressive rock formations inside bear names such as High Dome, Hall of the Fiery Tongues, Fairy Tale Hall, or Magic Corridor. At the cave's deepest point, there is a lake larger than 100m².
The descent continues to the Schindlhütte (currently closed!) over the Roßkogel, varied on forest paths and down the iron adventure walkway. Many years ago, metal street artist Joe Wahler designed an impressive metal structure spanning the wild romantic Roßkogelgraben.
Directions
Take the A1 at Ybbs exit - Erlauftal federal road B25 to Grubberg - turn onto B71 at the junction to Langau/Maierhöfen - turn left to Lackenhof, continue to the district of Raneck
Parking
Parking lot in Raneck. Also at the tour's end point, at the Schindlhütte (currently closed!), there are several parking spaces.
Lines of VOR or by post bus. Timetable information at: www.vor.at, T +43 810/222324
Verbund line, www.verbundlinie.at
