Hochkarschacht

Useful Information

Location:	Near Göstling on the Ybbs. A1 exit Ybbs, B25 south through Scheibbs, Neubruck, Gaming and Göstling 55km to Lassing. In Lassing turn left onto toll road Hochkar-Alpenstraße (Hochkar Alpine road). During ski season toll station at Lassing, all other time pay toll at the terminus. 10km uphill to the terminus with big car park and cable car. 5 min. walk to the cave at the foot of the second prop of the cablecar.
Open:	Only after appointment
Fee:	yes. Maut (toll) for the road.
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	electric.
Dimension:	A=1,620m asl.
Guided tours:	D=45min.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Hochkar-Sport GmbH & Co KG, A-3345 Göstling/Ybbs, Tel: +43-7484-7214. Höhlenführer (cave guide), Tel: +43-7484-7200. Mautstraße, Tel: +43-7484-7202
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1969	opened to the public.

Description

The location of the Hochkarschacht is rather special. This cave is on top of a mountain right in the middle of a ski resort. To get there we take a steep toll road which goes up to a plateau right below the summit of the Hochkar (1,808m asl). Here is a huge parking, several hotels and restaurants, the cable car to the summit and ski lifts. Most of the year this ski resort is deserted. But in winter, with enough snow, it is a popular ski area and overcrowded each weekend by day tourists.

The Hochkarschacht is a huge alpine cave. Main sight is the 100 m deep entrance shaft, which is really impressive. But the visitor enters the cave at the floor, through an artificial adit which leads dircetly to the vast Whitsun Hall, a chamber 50m long and 20m wide. The cave is noteworthy for its series of huge wide vaults linked by small narrow passages.

Unfortunately it is rather difficult to visit this cave. Although it is well developed, with good paths, entrance adits and electric light, there are no regular tours. It is necessary to make an appointment andthe minimum group size is nine persons. There is absolutely no chance to get in without prior arrangement.