Dachstein Mammoth Cave, Natural monument cave system in Obertraun, Austria
The Dachstein Mammoth Cave is a vast underground system near Obertraun that stretches for over 50 kilometers, carved into limestone by water flowing over millions of years. The accessible portion of the cave covers about one kilometer and features dramatic rock formations, frozen waterfalls of stone, and enormous chambers that open suddenly as you walk deeper inside.
Exploration began in 1910 when the western entrance was used as a storage space by hunters, and the connection to the eastern sections was discovered four years later in 1914. Since then, additional passages have been mapped and opened to visitors over decades of careful work.
Contemporary art installations from Linz University of Art use light projections throughout the passages, creating a conversation between modern technology and ancient stone. These displays appear at key moments during your walk, enhancing how visitors perceive the rock formations around them.
You reach the cave entrance via the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car, which runs from May through November and connects directly to the cave. Guided tours last about one hour on relatively level paths, though some sections can be damp, so wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
The Midnight Cathedral is a special chamber where multimedia displays explain underground geology and exploration history while surrounded by towering natural rock walls. This hall creates a striking contrast between scientific discovery and the ancient stone environment, making it the most memorable part of the tour for many visitors.
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