Photo: Katerloch

Katerloch

Weiz, Styria

naturführung

In one of the largest halls, the Phantasiehalle, which is now comfortably accessible via a sophisticated system of ladders and steps, expressive figures, fine sinter corals, wafer-thin, white and colored curtains, crystal-clear crystals, and sparkling crystal columns are present amidst a true primeval forest of around 4000 large stalactite structures. Massive limestone formations and numerous bone finds of bears create the image of a prehistoric era untouched by humans. The Katerloch was probably known even earlier than the nearby Grasslhöhle, which was discovered around 1750 after its entrance was broken open by a tree, and first mentioned in 1816. In comparison, the entrance of the Katerloch (20 meters wide, 10 meters high) was significantly larger and easily recognizable from the outside. Stalactite richness in perfectly beautiful forms. From the Phantasiehalle, one reaches the great discoveries of 1955, the Zauberreich (Magic Realm) and the Seeparadies (Lake Paradise), whose diverse, bizarre variety is verbally almost indescribable. At the lowest point, alabaster-white stalagmites and sinter islands grow out of the turquoise-green shimmering water surface of a cave lake landscape, framed by magnificent shore walls. Like an oversized screenplay, the beauty of the cave is perfected here. The sight of eternal creative forces provides the visitor with blissful contemplation, allows them to forget everyday life, and stimulates meditative thinking. The cave explorers Hermann and Regina Hofer. The explorer couple Hermann and Regina Hofer lived, resided, and worked during the first development phase of the cave for one and a half years at 5° Celsius, 98% humidity, and 100 meters below the earth's surface. In total, the two dedicated 50 years of their lives to the “Katerloch Project”. It was their unwavering belief in their goal that led them to move hundreds of tons of rock with their bare hands to “raise” this subterranean treasure. Regina Hofer passed away in 1995 at the age of 83. Hermann Hofer died at the age of 95 in 2003. Two years before his death in 2003, Hermann Hofer transferred responsibility for the Katerloch research site to Mag. Fritz Geissler.