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Seegrotte Hinterbrühl: A fascinating underworld in Lower Austria

The Seegrotte Hinterbrühl is one of the largest underground lakes in Europe and is one of the most extraordinary sights in Lower Austria. The former gypsum mine, which was flooded by a water ingress, is now a fascinating cave system with an underground lake. The mixture of natural phenomena and historical stories makes the Seegrotte a unique excursion destination.

Short info:

  • Where is the Seegrotte? south of Vienna. Address: Grutschgasse 2a, 2371 Hinterbrühl
  • How do you get there? By car via the A21 or by bus from Vienna (line 364/365).
  • Opening hours: Open all year round. More information here.
  • Entrance fees: Adults approx. 13 €, children (4-14 years) approx. 8 €. Prices and details.
  • Known for: Largest underground lake in Europe, historic gypsum mine.
  • Highlights: Underground boat trip, former Nazi aircraft factory, tunnel tours.

History of the Seegrotte

The Seegrotte was originally a gypsum mine, which was operated at the end of the 19th century. In 1912, an explosion caused a water ingress, which flooded the entire tunnel system and created a huge underground lake. Due to this disaster, mining had to be stopped and the mine was abandoned. It was not until the 1930s that the grotto was rediscovered and made accessible to tourism.

A dark chapter of the Seegrotte is its use during the Second World War. Here the National Socialists set up a underground aircraft factory in which parts of the jet fighter Heinkel He 162 Today, part of the exhibition recalls this time and also makes the visit an educational experience.

The tour through the Seegrotte

The visit to the Seegrotte begins with a guided tour through the tunnels, where you will delve into the history and geology of the mine. The tour takes you through impressive corridors, past old machines and remains of mining. Particularly impressive is the underground lake, which covers an area of about 6,200 m² The emerald green water surface and the play of light and shadow in the cave create a mystical atmosphere.

A highlight of the tour is the boat trip on the underground lake, where you glide through the cave landscape in small boats. The quiet journey gives you the opportunity to enjoy the special atmosphere of this unique underworld. The walls of the tunnel reflect the light and create a fascinating play of colors and shapes.

Special attractions

In addition to the impressive cave landscape and the underground lake, the Seegrotte offers some historical highlights. Especially the remains of the aircraft factory from the Second World War make the Seegrotte a unique place of history. Forced laborers were forced to produce parts for the Heinkel jet fighter here, and the exhibition in the Seegrotte offers insights into this dark chapter of history.

Another highlight of the Seegrotte is the fact that parts of the Hollywood film "The Three Musketeers" (1993). The underground passages and the lake served as a backdrop for spectacular film scenes, which also makes the place interesting for film fans.

Tips for your visit

  • Pay attention to the weather: The Seegrotte is an ideal place to visit in bad weather, as it is underground. However, you should sturdy shoes and wear warmer clothing as it can be cold in the grotto.
  • Book tickets in advance: The Seegrotte is particularly busy in the summer months and on weekends. It is worth reserving tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times.
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