Almenland Grassl Cave / Stalactite Cave / Styria

The Grassl Cave is Austria’s oldest tourist cave and captivates visitors with its magical underground world, which is why it’s also considered one of the most beautiful stalactite caves in Austria. Immerse yourself in the eternal night and wander through a magical underground world.

Currently, 9 species of bats and about 35 other animal species are known to inhabit the cave. The cave has been a protected site since 1953; the first map of the cave dates back to 1896.

Hours & Prices 2026

The Grassl Cave is open from May 1 through October 31 and can only be visited as part of a guided tour.

Admission prices:

€10.00 for adults
€7.00 for children (up to age 15)
€8.00 for groups of 20 or more
€5.00 for school groups
For guided tours with only 2 people, a minimum fee of €30.00 is required.

Guided Tours

The Grassl Cave can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Guided tours are available for groups of 4 or more people; special tours are also available by advance reservation.

April & October:

Guided tours are available by appointment only

May, June, and September:

Guided tours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday by appointment only
There are no guided tours on Wednesdays

July & August:

Thursday through Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
There are no guided tours on Wednesdays

Types of leadership:

Standard guided tour of the
caves Duration: approx. 45 minutes, for groups of 5 or more
Guided Tour:
Duration: approx. 1 to 1.5 hours, for groups of 10 or more
Bat-Watching Tour Duration: approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour; available from October through November
You can find detailed information about the types of tours on the website.

The Grassl Cave is not only an impressive stalactite cave, but also the setting for a thrilling legend. According to the legend, a shepherd boy who tended his sheep on the alpine pastures once disappeared. When the animals returned to the valley one evening without him, the villagers searched for him in vain. Years later, a large cave was discovered by chance beneath the pasture. There, researchers found animal bones and the skeleton of the missing boy—the mystery was solved. However, another version of the legend tells that the shepherd was rescued alive after three days.

The Grassl Cave has been documented since the early 19th century. Even back then, it was opened to visitors and later protected from damage. Over time, it was explored by speleologists, expanded, and eventually equipped with electric lighting. The cave was formed by the collapse of a massive underground cavity and contains stalactites and stalagmites that are up to 100,000 years old. The surrounding rock, known as Schöckl limestone, was formed about 360 million years ago in a primeval sea. Today, the Grassl Cave is one of the region’s most important natural attractions and tourist destinations.

Cider Bar

For those looking for a quick drink, the Mostschenke, located right at the entrance to the Grasslhöhle, offers light refreshments. Snacks are also available by advance order.

Dürntalwirt Inn

Just 10 minutes from the cave is the Dürntalwirt inn, run by the Graf-Reisinger family. Here, you’ll be treated to traditional Styrian home-style cooking. You can find contact information and hours of operation on the website.