Seegrotte Hinterbrühl
Explore Europe's largest underground lake in a former gypsum mine and WWII aircraft factory. A cool, unique adventure near Vienna.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Seegrotte Hinterbrühl
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Europe's largest underground lake in a former gypsum mine and WWII aircraft factory. A cool, unique adventure near Vienna.
"A beautiful and unique experience! The boat ride is the best part."
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
It's a cool 9°C inside! Rent a blanket for €0.50-€1 if you forget a jacket.
💰 Payment Options
You can pay with card, which is convenient for tickets and souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Lake Boat Trip
Lowest level of the mine
Glide across Europe's largest underground lake, illuminated for a magical, otherworldly experience.

WWII Aircraft Factory History
Throughout the mine tour
Learn about the fascinating and somber history of this former gypsum mine used as an aircraft factory during WWII.

Refreshing Cave Environment
Inside the Seegrotte
Escape the summer heat in the consistently cool 9°C (48°F) air of the ancient gypsum mine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Chill: Dress Appropriately
Timing Your Visit for a Smoother Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
It's a cool 9°C inside! Rent a blanket for €0.50-€1 if you forget a jacket.
💰 Payment Options
You can pay with card, which is convenient for tickets and souvenirs.
🚗 Parking Advice
Street parking is available, or near the tennis courts (avoid private spots).
💧 Restroom Facilities
There's a small coffee place with a toilet; purchase something to use it.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
It's a cool 9°C inside! Rent a blanket for €0.50-€1 if you forget a jacket.
💰 Payment Options
You can pay with card, which is convenient for tickets and souvenirs.
🚗 Parking Advice
Street parking is available, or near the tennis courts (avoid private spots).
💧 Restroom Facilities
There's a small coffee place with a toilet; purchase something to use it.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
The guided tour is informative, but enjoy the return walk freely.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Seegrotte Hinterbruechl to be a unique and worthwhile experience, especially for its refreshing cool temperatures and the captivating boat ride on the underground lake. The historical context of the WWII aircraft factory adds an intriguing layer to the visit. While some found the tour a bit short, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting it as a hidden gem near Vienna.
"Is it worth it? Yes in its way. If you’re looking for places to visit just out of curiosity or learn a thing or two, then go for it! You will also enjoy the ride until you reach the destination which is very beautiful! Enter the tunnel and start going back to time!! Enjoy and learn"
George Papadopoulos
"Beautiful cave experience! You start with a guided walk through the cave, then continue with a short boat ride, and afterward you can explore on your own at your own pace on the way back. Inside it’s a refreshing 9°C, so it feels nice and cool. You can also rent a blanket at the entrance for just €0.50 and return it afterward. You can pay by card, and there’s a small coffee place with a toilet (most likely you should buy something if you want to use it). Overall, a beautiful and unique experience!"
Ovidiu Sustic
"A very unique spot to visit in vicinity of Vienna which takes around 45-50 minutes to go through. You start walking into the cave and a guide explains you few things at various spots and at the end is a boat trip at lowest level (60m below ground level).
The ticket costs 18 euros per person. You have possibility to rent something warm (1 euro) to wear if you forgot to come dressed for lower temperature inside.
The boat trip is the best part. With lighting the whole thing looks fantastic.
You can find parking for car at the street next to it or go near the tennis place to park (beware to not park on Privatgrund of tennis place).
Overall worth the buck."
Faisal Masud
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seegrotte Hinterbruechl is easily accessible from Vienna, about a 20-30 minute drive. Many visitors opt for a car, and parking is available nearby. Public transport options might involve a combination of trains and buses, but driving is generally the most straightforward.
Absolutely! It's a perfect day trip from Vienna, taking only about 20-30 minutes to reach. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the caves and enjoying the unique experience.
The travel time from Vienna to Seegrotte Hinterbruechl is approximately 20-30 minutes by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary slightly, but generally range from around €15 to €18 for adults. Child and group tickets are also available at lower rates.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available, but tickets can be purchased at the entrance. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date ticketing information.
Yes, there are often discounted rates for seniors and group tickets. Specific pricing for students may vary, so it's best to inquire at the entrance or check their official information.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Seegrotte Hinterbruechl website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the Seegrotte is a constant and refreshing 9°C (48°F) year-round, making it a great escape from summer heat.
The entire experience, including the guided walk and boat trip, typically takes around 45-50 minutes to complete.
Yes, a highlight of the visit is a boat ride across the large underground lake, which is Europe's largest.
Tours are often conducted in German, but English-speaking guides are usually available, especially during peak tourist seasons. It's a good idea to confirm the language of the tour upon arrival.
Given the constant 9°C temperature, it's advisable to wear warm clothing, such as a jacket or sweater. You can also rent a blanket for a small fee if needed.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Seegrotte, but it's always best to be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules posted by the attraction. The lighting can be dramatic, making for unique shots.
The illuminated underground lake during the boat ride offers spectacular photo opportunities. The unique rock formations and historical elements of the mine also make for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include dressing children in layers due to the consistent 9°C temperature and ensuring they have comfortable shoes for walking. The relatively short duration of the tour (around 45-50 minutes) is also ideal for keeping younger attention spans engaged.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Vienna
Visitors often praise the ease of access and the refreshing change of pace from the city. The experience is self-contained and doesn't require extensive planning, making it ideal for spontaneous outings. Remember to factor in the cool temperature and bring appropriate attire.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique History of Seegrotte Hinterbruechl
The flooding of the mine in 1912 created the stunning underground lake that is now a central feature of the attraction. The guided walk takes visitors through various sections of the mine, highlighting geological formations and historical artifacts. The experience is both educational and visually striking, offering a unique perspective on industrial history and natural beauty.
Visitors often remark on how well-maintained the mine is and how engaging the guides are, particularly when discussing the WWII era. The blend of natural cave features with human industrial history makes Seegrotte Hinterbruechl a truly distinctive destination.
Experiencing the Underground Lake
The boat journey is relatively short but incredibly impactful. It allows you to appreciate the scale of the underground lake and the unique geological formations surrounding it. The cool, still air of the cave, combined with the gentle movement of the boat, provides a serene and captivating experience. Many find this to be the most picturesque and memorable part of their visit.
After the guided boat tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the pathways around the lake on their own before exiting the cave. This allows for personal reflection and further appreciation of the underground environment. The lighting during the boat ride is particularly noted for enhancing the visual spectacle.
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