This limestone ice cave system is one of the most idyllic nature attractions of the Austrian Alpine region. It is located near Werfen in the Pongau area, in the state of Salzburg. It is the largest of its kind in the entire world, extending over 42 kilometers.

The first official discoverer of Eisriesenwelt was Anton Posselt, a natural scientist from Salzburg. He researched the cave in 1879. Austrian speleologist Alexander von Mörk led a few expeditions into the caves from 1912 onwards. Von Mörk was killed in World War I in 1914, and an urn containing his ashes is inside a niche in the cave. A cable car has been helping visitors reach the cave entrance since 1955. Good winter shoes and warm clothing is practically required while in the cave, due to the freezing interior.

Formation

The cave is 42 kilometers long, but only the first kilometer is covered in ice. The complex was formed by the Salzach river, when it eroded passageways into the mountain. The ice formations in the cave were formed by thawing snow which drained into the cave and froze during winter.

The parts allowed for visitors consists of:

• The Posselt Hall, a large room with a stalagmite called Posselt Tower in the centre. Past the Posselt Tower, there is an ashen cross on the wall of the cave, marking the farthest point of exploration of Anton Posselt.
• The Great Ice Embankment, a massive formation that rises to a height of 25 metres and represents the area of greatest ice growth.
• Hymir’s Castle, named after a giant in Norse mythology. Here stalactites create a formation called Frigga’s Veil or the Ice Organ.
• The Alexander von Mörk Cathedral, resting place of von Mörk’s ashes.
• The Ice Palace, a kilometre into the cave and 400 metres underground.

Tours

Tour groups don’t usually have to register their visits in advance. The average tour takes about one hour and 15 minutes.  Prices are visible here.

Specific information and registration services (especially for groups) are also available at +43 (0) 6468/5293 or e-mail: eisriesenwelt.linie@aon.at

Something to explore nearby

The medieval Hohenwerfen Fortress in Werfen  is worth of getting to know.

Photos: With the CC licence / Geolina163, Cartographer 89, Euler2010