Werfen Ice Caves (Eisriesenwelt)

The world’s largest ice caves wend 19 miles (30 km) under the Tennengebirge Mountains in the Salzach district of the Austrian Alps; they were discovered in 1879 and a mystical subterranean underworld was unveiled to the world. Pick a clear, sunny day as your visit to Eisriesenwelt starts with a spectacular twisting drive up through the scenic Salzach Valley, followed by a 20-minute uphill hike and then a breath-taking cable-car ride over sheer mountainsides. Finally there’s a further 20-minute walk up to the caves, with superb Alpine views across mountains and lush valleys.

Led by professional guides, the cave tour penetrates half a mile (1 km) into the caves, following 700 steps up and 700 down on a prepared pathway with handrails. Once underground, the reward for the strenuous uphill trek is instant. This is a magical world of sparkling ice formations in a series of cathedral-like caverns full of stalagmites and stalactites eerily illuminated by magnesium lamps. Highlights of the tour include the gigantic ice columns in Posselt Hall, the frozen ‘pipes’ of the glittering Ice Organ and the vast ice sculpture known as Hymir’s Castle, which rears up to a height of 75 feet (23 m). The circular tour penetrates as far as the Ice Palace, where a lake of ice stretches into the distance.

Many visitors combine their underground tour with a visit to Hohenwerfen Fortress, famous as a star location in the WWII action movie Where Eagles Dare.

Practical Info

Eisriesenwelt ice caves are near the village of Werfen in the Salzach Valley, 25 miles (40 km) from Salzburg. Visiting involves a steep walk along mountain pathways, a cable-car ride and extensive walking underground so stout shoes and warm clothes are recommended. Unfortunately the ice caves are not suitable for visitors with limited mobility and are only accessible as part of a guided tour. The caves are open May-June, Sept-Oct 8pm-3pm; July-Aug 8pm-4pm. Admission prices not yet decided for 2014; last year costs were €20, concessions €18, children €10.