Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
Eisriesenwelt Werfen
The world's largest ice cave. Carry a kerosene lamp into an ice palace that looks like ten-thousand-year-old glacier, with the Salzach valley visible from outside.
Eisriesenwelt lies in the Tennengebirge, above the village of Werfen. The cave system is 42 km long, and its first kilometer is covered in ice, making it the largest known ice cave in the world. From the car park, walk about 20 minutes to the cable car station, ride the cable car for 3 minutes, then walk about 20 minutes up the mountain path to the cave entrance. Guided groups carry kerosene lamps into the cave. Inside, there are about 700 steps up and down, and the tour takes roughly 75 minutes. The temperature is around 0°C, so bring a down jacket and hiking boots even in midsummer. Photography is prohibited inside. Admission including the cable car costs about €42. The cave is open from May to late October. From Salzburg, take the train about 40 minutes to Werfen, then transfer by shuttle bus. Allow at least 4 hours for the round trip.
Opening hours
May–late October, 08:00–15:45 (until 16:45 in July–August; last run)
Nearby sights
- Hohenwerfen Castle
- Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest)
- Salt Mine Hallein (Salzwelten)
- Berchtesgaden Salt Mine
- Königssee
- Untersberg Cable Car
- Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
- St. Gilgen