Werfen, Austria, contains the biggest ice cave in the world. Eisriesenwelt Cave extends deep into the mountain for about 42 km. Eisriesenwelt is a German ward means (the world of the ice giant).
This cave is a protected natural monument that open to the public. At the beginning of the cave, there is ice formation that are pleasing to the eyes.
The world’s biggest ice cave located in Hochkogel mountain at the Tennengebirge alps right above the town of Werfen. The belief is that it was formed during the geological time known as the Tertiary Period.
But, it was discovered in 1879 by an Austrian cave explorer and natural scientist named Anton Posselt.
The cave becomes significant for tourism in Austria. Nowadays, people from all over the globe come to witness and explore the biggest ice cave in the world.
Thus, we made the travel guide to help you decide visiting and exploring the cave.
Exploring The Biggest Ice Cave In The World:
To explore the tower, you have the chance to have a tour guide or without a tour guide. The tour starts at Posselt Hall, where you walk through the Posselt Tower stalagmite, which is a special kind of rock formation.
As you walk through, you can notice the mesmerizing ice sculptures, figures, and ice walls while the wind hover around you. It is a moment that will stick with you forever.
And then you walk to the Great Ice Embankment, which is a staggering rock formation at about 75 feet (23 meters).
The walk tour end at the Hymir’s Castle and take you to the resting place of the cave explorer Alexander von Mörk who heard about the cave from discoverer Anton Posselt.
You can notice that inside of the cave is made of ice and limestone, which creates a beautiful scenery that is pleasing to the eyes.
As a matter of fact, the Eisriesenwelt Cave is made by the eroding of the Salzach river, which creates pathways into the mountain. As a result, the thawing snow froze in the winter and creates ice formation.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Biggest Ice Cave In The World (Eisriesenwelt Cave):
The best time to visit the Eisriesenwelt Cave is in a sunny day during summer because the warm wind blow into the mountain that keeps the ice from melting.
During winter, however, the chilly winter winds blow into the mountain that frozen the ice inside. It might be too cold for you if you visit during winter, so I would recommend you to visit during summer.
Even if it is 80 degree Fahrenheit, it is still warm in side the cave, which keeps the ice formation from melting. No wonder, it is called ”Great natural wonders of the world” in a BBC documentary by Sir David Attenborough.
Open Hours:
- Open daily from May – October
- 8am – 3pm (May, June, Sept., Oct.)
- 8am – 4pm (July, Aug.)
How To Get To The Eisriesenwelt Cave?
The nearest airport to Werfen Bahnhof is in salzburg, Austria. It takes about 40 minutes drive to reach the town. You have the option to take public transportation as there is a train that take you there. It takes between 40-50 minutes..
Once you reach there, you can take a bus that drop you right at the visitor center of the Eisriesenwelt cave. You can take the Eishöhle bound bus that leaves every hour or walk 5 minutes to Parkplatz Gries bus.
From the visitor center, you can take a cable car that will take you to the entrance. Click here for more information.
Where To Stay?
The best place to stay in is Der Burgblick-Adults Only. It is only 2 km from the largest ice cave in the world, Eisriesenwelt Cave, Werfen. It offers great views of the famous Hohenwerfen Castle, which is just 500 meters away.
There are other things to do and explore in Werfen, such as the Golling Waterfalls and Liechtenstein Gorge (AKA: the Liechtensteinklamm Waterfall).
Visit the biggest ice cave in the world might be just the escape that you need to fulfill your sense of wonder. The experience itself in a way is rewarding, and you will not be disappointed. Therefore, you should add the Eisriesenwelt Cave to your bucket list when visiting Austria.
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