Abstract: The apparatus for excavating passages such as tunnels, shafts and the like, is continually and/or intermittently movable in a predetermined driving direction and contains at least one boring head, possibly, a multipart boring head. In its operative position, the boring head substantially covers the cross-section of the passage to be excavated. The boring head is constructed so as to be thrust or pressed by means of fluid-operated cylinders, tooth racks or the like against the face to be excavated. The apparatus possesses one or a number of drive units for the boring head and at least one device for removing the excavated material. There are further provided a support device for supporting the boring head in the passage and at least one drilling mount possessing a bore motor and a thrust motor for drilling anchor holes and/or blast holes and/or for placing anchors transversely to a predetermined driving direction.