Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave in Salzburg, Werfen
An unprecedented natural wonderTrip to the Giant Ice World: The largest ice cave in the world
The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave in Salzburg is one of the most popular destinations in the Salzburg region and is probably the largest natural wonder in the Alps far and wide. Huge blue-white, shimmering ice surfaces, stalactites and stalagmites have been “built” by nature over thousands of years. The ice cave Salzburg has been open to tourists since 1920 and has been fitted out with increasingly modern infrastructure over the decades. Experience the wondrous cave for yourself in Werfen!
Our recommendation
To visit the ice cave in Salzburg, you will need warm winter clothing (jacket, gloves and hat) as well as sturdy footwear, as the temperature in the cave is below freezing all year round.
Ascent to the Werfen ice cave by cable car & by foot
The entrance to the ice cave lies high above the Salzach Valley, which is why approx. three hours and physical endurance are essential for the entire visit.
Ascent with the cable car
The climb with the cable car, which was opened in 2015, is an experience in itself. Once you reach the cave entrance, it is worth enjoying the far-reaching views over the Salzach Valley with the Hohenwerfen Castle, especially on nice days. From the ticket booth to the cable car and from the station to the cave entrance, a 15-minute ascent on foot must be completed in each case. Inside the ice cave, the path runs over 700 sometimes steep steps and down again.
It is especially recommended to visit the Werfen Ice Cave on hot summer days. At this time, the breathtaking panoramic view that stretches from the entrance beyond the Salzach valley and shows the snow-covered peaks of the Hohe Tauern mountains is particularly impressive.
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 heart of the perpetual ice, fascinating impressions await you wherever you look. Giant stalactites, frozen rivers and walls adorn the cave and shine magically in the light of the torches, while you are told interesting facts about the formation and history of the cave. The tour through the ice cave in Salzburg lasts approx. 75 minutes. The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave Werfen is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (July and August until 4:00 p.m.) from the end of April to the end of October and is a great excursion destination in both good and bad weather.
Your family hotel in Salzburg
Be impressed by the formations of the largest ice cave in the world and marvel at the natural wonder in the Tennen mountain. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Werfen from Hotel Scherer in Salzburg. An excursion to the ice cave is well combined with a visit to the Hohenwerfen Castle including birds of prey show. The Salzburg region is already within your reach – all you have to do is send a non-binding holiday request to the Hotel Scherer.
