Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave

The Largest Accessible Ice Cave In The World, With Over 42 Km Of Caverns Of Which About 1 Km Is Covered In Ice, Found By Anton Posselt In 1879 And Opened To Visitors In 1920. Guided Tours With Carbide Or Electric Lamps Climb About 700 Steps; Open Roughly May To October. Dress For 0 C Temperatures. · Werfen, Salzburg

Eisriesenwelt is the largest accessible ice cave in the world, cut into the Tennengebirge above the market town of Werfen, about 40 km south of Salzburg. Of more than 42 km of passages, only about 1 km is coated in ice, but that stretch is extraordinary: frozen waterfalls, towers and halls that stay frozen even in July. Anton Posselt explored it in 1879 and tours began in the early 1920s. The trip is a small expedition. You ride a train, a shuttle and a cable car, then climb a steep path to the entrance at about 1,641 m, then climb about 700 steps inside in the cold with a guide. It is magical and also tiring. The cave sits near 0 C all summer, so dress for winter. It is open only in the warm season, roughly May to late October, and closes in high wind or thunder. It is NOT for anyone who cannot manage stairs or cold air. Plan a full day: Werfen is easy to reach from Salzburg by train in about 45 minutes, and the honest verdict is that the cave rewards effort rather than comfort. Go early, book the first tours in July and August, and carry a warm jacket.

Ice cave in the Tennengebirge mountains above the market town of Werfen, about 40 km south of Salzburg, reached by a short shuttle, a cable car and a 20-minute walk to the entrance, Werfen, Salzburg, Austria

Open SEASONALLY, roughly from May to late October, with guided tours leaving about every half hour through the day and the last tour well before the cable car stops. CLOSED in winter because of snow, avalanche risk and ice growth. Also shut in storms, high wind or thunder. Confirm dates before you travel.

Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos