Werfen’s “Eisriesenwelt” or we can say the world of ice giants is actually the world’s biggest ice cave. It is located in Werfen, Austria, about 40 km south of Salzburg. This cave system extends more than 42 km deep into the mountain. It is one of the most natural phenomena in the world located in the middle of the Tennengebirge south of the provincial capital Salzburg.

The cave entrance is 1642 meters above sea level and about 1000 meters above the Salzach Valley. Today the visitor arrives at the visitor center on a well-developed 5Km long mountain road, from which a moderately inclined footpath leads in about 20 minutes to the valley station of a cable car. In a few minutes, a height difference of 500 meters can be overcome with this gondola lift. Then a 20-minutes’ walk takes the visitor to the huge cave entrance portal of the Eisriesenwelt. 

The uniqueness of the Eisriesenwelt cave system is not only due to the size of the extensive underground labyrinth of cave passages, but especially to the unique abundance and size of ice figures. One of the ice figures looks like Shiva Linga which is almost 75 ft in height and many of us believe that this cave is as similar to Amarnath Cave in India but huge in size.

This cave is completely unknown until the end of the 19th century. It was not until the nature explorer Anton Von Posselt Czorich from Salzburg penetrated about 200 meters into this dark cave by himself in 1979 that the Eisriesenwelt was officially discovered. 

How to reach Cave from Salzburg

 

Location – 5450, Werfen (Austria). The cave is inside the Hochkogel Mountain in the Tennengebirge section of the Alps.  Elevation - 1656 meters.

By Car – A 5-kilometer, paved access road (toll-free) leads from the town of Werfen to the parking spaces at the Eisriesenwelt visitor’s center.

By RV – It is permitted to access the mountain road to the Eisriesenwelt visitor’s center by RV but it is advised against due to the steep inclined of the road.

By Motorcycle– Bike the ride is always thrilled to ride along the windy/ twisting access road, but it is advised to take all the necessary precautions and be considerate.

By Bicycle – Bicycle and unnecessary baggage can be stored at the bus departure point in Werfen, directly at the access road.

By Tour Bus– Buses can travel almost the entire mountain road on two lanes. (more than 14 meters long buses are not allowed). Local buses are also available to you several times a day.

By Train – Anyone can reach the Eisriesenwelt from the Werfen railway station by train.

Hikers – Marked hiking trails to the Eisriesenwelt are available from both Werfen and Tenneck. 

Opening Time

Open daily until October 26th

May, Jun, Sept, Oct- 0815hrs to 1500hrs// Jul, Aug- 0815hrs to 1530hrs  

In July and August, the rush to the ice cave is usually very large, especially in bad weather and in the midday hours between 10 am and 2 pm and longer waiting times at the cash desk or at the cable car must be expected.

Cable car:

Last ascent to the cave – May, Jun, Sept, Oct– 1520hrs// Jul, Aug– 1550hrs

Last descent – May, Jun, Sept, Oct– 1700hrs// Jul, Aug– 1730hrs

The train generally runs at 8:45 am and at least every half an hour or as required. For mountaineers, there is an early ascent when they arrive at the valley station by 8:15 am. Tickets are ONLY available in the visitor center from 08:00

Cave last tour:

May, Jun, Sept, Oct– 1545hrs// Jul, Aug– 1630hrs

The cave tours start directly at the cave entrance. The first tour of the day takes place after each arrival. Guided tours take place at least every full and half an hour or also as required.

Gastronomy

YGGDRASIL Restaurant

WWW: www.yggdrasil-restaurant.at

A restaurant with a large terrace at 1000m above sea level at the end of the Eisriesenwelt access the road offers the many ice cave visitors a place to stay and supply during the day in the form of a bistro on a self-service basis or as a restaurant.

OEDL HOUSE Restaurant

WWW: www.odelhouse.at 

An ideal place to stop before or after the cave visit is Dr. Oedl Haus directly at the cable car mountain station. When the weather is good you can choose from a rich menu on the specious terrace or when the weather is bad, in the cozy parlor. The terrace offers space for around 200 guests and the restaurant can accommodate up to 120 people.

Know before you go

  • The constant cave temperature is around 0 Celsius.
  • Sturdy shoes and warm clothing are recommended even in summer. The cave is a national monument and may only be entered by an authorized guide.
  • The visitors have to climb many stairs in the cave, so the visit is not recommended to people with mobility impairments, people with claustrophobia, people with heart problems, people afraid of heights, people with vertigo, people with respiratory issues.
  • Children up to the age of 4-5 years are not suitable for the trip.
  • In the cave filming and photography are not allowed.
  • The visitor should allow 3 hours for the whole visit.

Source/Pic Courtesy - 

  • Salzburg.info/en
  • GetYourGuide
  • Eisrienwelt.at
  • Hello-Salzburg.at