A significant prehistoric site

An impressive portal in the mountain opens into the legendary Drachenhöhle. It is about 500 m above the starting point in Mixnitz on the western slope of the Röthelstein. Even in primitive times some 50,000 years ago, it was used by humans, bears and wolves as a place of refuge.

It takes a good 1.5 hours on foot to reach the cave entrance. The trail keeps getting steeper and, shortly before the cave, passes through a rocky trench secured with chains. It is well worth the walk however, if only to see the place where the legend of the dragon originated. The cave got its name from finds of fossilised bones of the cave bear, which is extinct. Finds are on display at the Archäologiemuseum Eggenberg in Graz.

Trained cave guides accompany tour participants through the cave protected as a natural monument. It is one of Austria’s leading bat habitats. For ecological reasons, visiting the cave is only permitted as part of a guided tour. Guided tours are offered from May through October. Special tours for school groups are possible.
The Drachenhöhle has been protected since 26 June 1928 and was declared a natural monument in 1949. Access is permitted only as part of the cave tours!

Dates 2024:

  • Sunday, May 5th
  • Saturday May 18th
  • Sunday, June 2nd
  • Saturday June 15th
  • Sunday June 30th
  • Saturday, July 13th
  • Sunday, July 28th
  • Saturday, August 10th
  • Sunday, August 25th
  • Saturday, September 7th
  • Sunday September 22nd


Meeting point at 9 a.m. in the Heubergstüberl

  • Ascent: 1.5 hours
  • Guided tour: 1 - 1.5 hours
  • Descent: 0.5 - 1 hour
  • steep approach, secured with a chain
  • Difference in altitude: 500 m
  • Distance: 7 km (there and back)


Contribution to expenses:

  • € 12,00 for adults
  • € 5,00 for children


Registration is mandatory

  • Phone: 0043 6766308474
  • Email: drachenhoehle@pernegg.at

Getting there:

Access from the north or south via the S35 (Brucker Schnellstraße) - exit “Mixnitz” - at the roundabout towards Bärenschützklamm to Mixnitz - at the roundabout in Mixnitz “exit Bärenschützklamm”. Then straight on on Heubergstrasse to the “Drachenhöhle” car park.

Equipment tips:

  • Good hiking equipment (sturdy shoes, spare laundry, work gloves, snack, drinks)
  • Light source (headlamp or flashlight)
  • Suitable clothing, the cave has a constant temperature of 7 - 9 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 80%
  • Because of the undeveloped, loamy pathways in the cave, clothing is likely to be soiled.

Drachenhöhle Pernegg

Heubergstraße 32
8131 Mixnitz
Telefon: 0043 676/6308474
E-Mail: drachenhoehle (at) pernegg. at
Web: www.pernegg.at/sport-freizeit/drachenhoehle/

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