Caves in the Ötscher region
- Theodor Wimmer
- Oct 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 10, 2025
The Ötscher region boasts several impressive caves, the most famous of which is the Ötscher Dripstone Cave. The cave was explored by forest workers, who presumably entered the shaft long known as the Wetterloch in search of silver ore and were the first people to witness this natural spectacle formed by limestone deposits. The cave is typical of limestone mountains (Gutenstein Limestone), decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, particularly evident in the so-called Fairytale Hall.
The cave was first opened to visitors for guided tours in 1926 and, along its 575 meters, fascinates visitors. A wide variety of bat species can be encountered in the nature park's caves. The mouse-eared bat, the barbastelle bat, the brown long-eared bat, and many other bat species are found here. With a little luck, you might also observe other life. In addition to the large cave spider, you might also spot a cave amphipod and a flatworm species.
Guided tours of the cave are available from May to October. The Austrian Research Foundation for the Study of Bats (KFFÖ) has been conducting research in the caves of the Ötscher region for many years. The Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park has also studied bats in a previous project. A study on bat diversity in orchards at nine locations identified 11 of the 25 species native to Lower Austria.
Key facts about the project:
Location | entire nature park |
Measure type / project category | Public relations / environmental education |
funding program | Alpine Convention |
Sectoral objectives of the Alpine Convention | Ecosystems & Biodiversity |
partner | Naturfreunde Kienberg-Gaming, KFFÖ (Coordination Center for Bat Conservation and Research in Austria) |
Your direct contact:
Katja Weirer
