Two people walk up the stairs in the Salzburg Eisriesenwelt © SalzburgerLand Tourismus

Werfen Ice Caves in Pongau

The largest ice cave on earth: adventure in the "Eisriesenwelt" Salzburg

The mysterious ice giant world in Werfen

The Werfen Ice Caves, also known as the Eisriesenwelt, are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Salzburg region. They are part of Salzburg's impressive ice worlds and are considered one of the most gigantic natural wonders in the Alps. Over thousands of years, nature has formed huge, shimmering blue-white ice surfaces and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. With a length of 42 kilometers, the Eisriesenwelt Werfen stretches through the Tennengebirge mountains and rightly bears the title “largest ice cave in the world.”

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To visit the ice cave, you will need sturdy shoes as well as warm winter clothing such as a jacket, gloves and a hat. Although the temperature in the ice cave is below freezing all year round, it is not dangerous to visit. The paths are well secured and accessible so that you can experience the fascinating ice landscape safely and without worry.

In 1879, the Salzburg naturalist Anton Posselt discovered the ice cave near Salzburg and penetrated around 200 metres into the depths. However, he had to turn back due to the steep ice wall and lack of equipment. He marked the turning point with a black cross, the Posselt Cross. Despite its beauty, the ice giant was forgotten.

It was not until 1913 that explorers, including Alexander von Mörk, conquered the Great Ice Wall and crossed the submerged Storm Lake. Behind it, they discovered a huge hall. This was later named after Alexander von Mörk, who died a year later in the First World War.

His last wish to be buried in the icy depths of the ice giant world was fulfilled in the 1920s. He was buried in the Alexander von Mörk Dome, which he had discovered.

The cave has been open to tourists since 1920 and has been equipped with increasingly modern infrastructure over the decades. Experience the cave wonder of the Eiswelt Salzburg near Werfen for yourself and find out about the Eisriesenwelt prices and tickets for an unforgettable excursion.

Ascent to the Salzburg ice cave

The entrance to the Eisriesenwelt, also known as the Salzburg Ice Cave, is located high above the Salzach Valley. The entire tour therefore takes around 3 hours and requires physical stamina.

Ascent with the gondola lift

Even the ascent on the gondola lift, which opened in 2015, is a spectacle. With views stretching for kilometres, it's a leisurely ride up the mountain. Once you arrive at the entrance to the cave, it's worth enjoying the sweeping views across the Salzach Valley, especially in fine weather. The breathtaking view of the mountains of Salzburger Land and Hohenwerfen Castle will enchant you.

It is a 15-minute walk from the ticket office, where you can buy tickets for the Eisriesenwelt, to the cable car and from the mountain station to the cave entrance. In the ice cave, the path leads up and down 700 steps, some of which are steep.

Inside the Werfen Ice Cave in Salzburg

You then enter the icy interior of the mountain, where the temperature is constantly somewhere below 0 degrees. Oversteps and paved paths, you will be guided through the ice cave, which, with a total length of 42 kilometres, is considered the largest ice cave in the world.

Stalactites and frozen rivers

In the middle of the eternal ice, fascinating impressions await you wherever you look. Huge stalactites, frozen rivers and high ice walls adorn the cave. They glow magically in the light of the burning torches. Meanwhile, you will learn interesting facts about the formation and history of Salzburg's Ice Giant World.

The entire guided tour of the Eisriesenwelt takes approx. 75 minutes. Please note the opening hours of the Eisriesenwelt: From the end of April to the end of October daily from 8:00 to 15:00. In July and August even from 8:00 to 16:00.

The spectacular Eisriesenwelt Werfen, often also called the Eisriesenhöhle, is an impressive excursion destination in both good and bad weather. It is suitable for families with children of all ages.

Your hotel for excursions in the Salzburg region

Visit the Eisriesenwelt Werfen, an impressive natural wonder in Salzburg. From the Hotel Scherer in Salzburg, you can reach the ice cave in the Tennengebirge mountains in just 50 minutes by car. The Hotel Scherer is ideally located for excursions in Salzburg and the surrounding area.

Would you like to discover the largest ice cave in the world? Send us a non-binding enquiry or book directly online and enjoy your vacation in Salzburg.