Lurgrotte

The Lurgrotte is a through-cave carved by the Lurbach, which sinks at Semriach, runs some five kilometres underground through limestone and emerges at Peggau in the Mur valley, and it is the largest active water cave in Austria - active meaning the stream is still in it and still working. Both ends are open for guided tours, running different sections. It is known for large chambers and for the Riesen, a stalactite of about thirteen metres described as among the biggest free-hanging in Europe. The cave has a history of drama: in 1894 an expedition led by Max Brunello was trapped by rising water for nine days before being rescued, and flooding has repeatedly damaged the paths and closed sections since, including the through-route between the two ends.

What you actually see

• An active water cave - the Lurbach still running through the system.
• The Riesen stalactite - about thirteen metres, among Europe's largest hanging.
• Large chambers - the halls the tours from both ends pass through.
• Two entrances - Peggau and Semriach, running different sections.

When to go

All year; the cave holds a constant temperature around ten degrees. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Bring a warm layer - it is cold inside year-round. Tours are guided only and run to a timetable. Flooding closes sections; the full through-trip between the ends has been unavailable at times.

Nearby

Peggau and the Mur valley are below; Graz is south.