Almenland Dragon's Cave / Mixnitz / Protected Area

An impressive portal carved into the mountain leads into the legendary Dragon’s Cave. It is located about 500 meters above the starting point in Mixnitz on the western slope of the Röthelstein. As far back as prehistoric times, about 50,000 years ago, it served as a refuge for humans, bears, and wolves.

To reach the cave’s entrance, you’ll need to be prepared for a good 1.5-hour hike. The path, which becomes increasingly steep, leads through a rocky gully secured with chains just before the cave. But the hike is definitely worth it, if only to discover the birthplace of the dragon legend. The cave got its name from fossilized bones of the extinct cave bear that were found there. The artifacts can be viewed at the Eggenberg Archaeological Museum in Graz.

Trained cave guides accompany tour participants through the cave, which is protected as a natural monument. It is one of the most important roosting sites for bats in Austria. For environmental reasons, visits to the cave are permitted only as part of guided tours. Guided tours take place from May through October. Special tours for school groups are available.

The Dragon Cave has been a protected site since June 26, 1928; it has been a natural monument since 1949; access is permitted only as part of guided cave tours!

Guided Tour Dates for 2026

Sunday, June 28
July 11, Saturday
Sunday, July 26
Saturday, August 8
Sunday, August 23
Saturday, September 5
Sunday, September 20

Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Drachenhöhle parking lot. Registration is required. Entry to the Drachenhöhle without a guided tour is not permitted.

Registration

Registration is required. You are not permitted to enter the Dragon's Cave without a guided tour.

Phone: +43 676 63 08 474
Email: drachenhoehle (at) pernegg. at

Hike Details

Ascent: about 1.5 hours
Tour: approx. 1–1.5 hours
Descent: approx. 0.5–1 hour
Steep ascent, secured with a chain
Elevation gain: 500 m
Trail length: 7 km (round trip)

Equipment Tips:

Proper hiking gear (sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, work gloves, snacks, drinks)
Light source (headlamp or flashlight)
Appropriate Clothing

The cave maintains a constant temperature of 7 to 9 degrees Celsius and 80% humidity. Because the trails inside the cave are unpaved and clay-covered, your clothing is likely to get dirty. Special caution is required; you should only enter the cave if you have hiking experience.

Directions to the Dragon's Cave

Access from the north or south via the S35 (Brucker Schnellstraße); take the “Mixnitz” exit.
At the roundabout in town, take the exit toward Bärenschützklamm.
Then continue straight ahead on Heubergstraße until you reach the “Drachenhöhle” parking lot.
There are free, marked parking spaces (right next to the Heubergstüberl).

If you can't find a parking spot on site, you can also park at the Bärenschützklamm parking lots (P1, P2); these are subject to a fee. From there, you'll need to walk to the Dragon's Cave.