May
01
2012
Oct
26
2012
May
01
2013
Oct
26
2013
May
01
2014
Oct
26
2014
May
01
2015
Oct
26
2015
Invade the Abominable Snowman's Icy Lair
Published by Scottie Bakes, Writer
Country: Austria 
The Experience
The Eisriesenwelt Werfen Ice Caves are an extraordinary spectacle mother nature has created and hidden high up in the Austrian Alps. Located just outside of Salzburg, it is often overshadowed by the famous Oscar winning film, 'The Sound of Music', which was produced nearby.
It was in 1879 that Austria's claim to fame was discovered. To this day the Eisriesenwelt Werfen Ice Caves are still the largest caves of their kind in the world. This discovery was made by Anton Posselt, a scientist from Salzburg. Although his discovery was published in 1880 the caves remained widely unknown until Alexander von Mörk, a speleologist or cave scientist, read about the caves and along with others increased it's popularity. In 1920, the Forscherhütte or discoverer’s refuge was built and officially became a sought out tourist attraction.
The caves sit at an elevation of 1641m and the hour long hike you take to get there is just as rewarding as the caves themselves. The first twenty minutes are spent driving through the town and up to Besucherzentrum where tickets can be purchased and a small exhibit explored, and perhaps a few souvenirs purchased. Then it's a twenty minute hike to the Wimmer-Hutte where coffee and snacks are available. Along the way everyone goes photo crazy only to delete them afterwards as the most amazing sights and views are still yet to be seen. At this point there's a big decision to be made, take the three minute cable car ride (maybe see a few mountain goats along the way) or be the ambitious one and complete the ninety minute hike.
So for some it's been a pleasant three minutes and for others an exhausting ninety minutes, either way the next stop is the Dr. Oedl-Haus where delicious meals are offered on the mountain side. After a meal, it is another twenty minute path on a winding hike to the caves. Upon turning the corner and finally seeing the entrance you may think, "These aren't ice caves, this is where the Abominable Snowman lives, we've all been tricked into a cult sacrifice." The entrance is enormous. Once you've reached the cave, simply turning around and viewing the landscape framed by the mouth of the cave is captivating. This is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and no photo will truly capture the awe and magnitude of this sight.
Finally inside this mysterious marvel, a seventy-five minute tour awaits. Lit only by handheld lanterns you weave in and out of the most spectacular ice slides and sculptures. As the tour tunnels another 134 meters into the mountain the guide explains the different formations and how they came to be. Unfortunately filming and photography is prohibited since it slows the tour down. The challenge of photography inside this dark cave means that for most of us, the photography ban isn't a big loss. Consider this tour, a special little secret for your eyes only.
It was in 1879 that Austria's claim to fame was discovered. To this day the Eisriesenwelt Werfen Ice Caves are still the largest caves of their kind in the world. This discovery was made by Anton Posselt, a scientist from Salzburg. Although his discovery was published in 1880 the caves remained widely unknown until Alexander von Mörk, a speleologist or cave scientist, read about the caves and along with others increased it's popularity. In 1920, the Forscherhütte or discoverer’s refuge was built and officially became a sought out tourist attraction.
The caves sit at an elevation of 1641m and the hour long hike you take to get there is just as rewarding as the caves themselves. The first twenty minutes are spent driving through the town and up to Besucherzentrum where tickets can be purchased and a small exhibit explored, and perhaps a few souvenirs purchased. Then it's a twenty minute hike to the Wimmer-Hutte where coffee and snacks are available. Along the way everyone goes photo crazy only to delete them afterwards as the most amazing sights and views are still yet to be seen. At this point there's a big decision to be made, take the three minute cable car ride (maybe see a few mountain goats along the way) or be the ambitious one and complete the ninety minute hike.
So for some it's been a pleasant three minutes and for others an exhausting ninety minutes, either way the next stop is the Dr. Oedl-Haus where delicious meals are offered on the mountain side. After a meal, it is another twenty minute path on a winding hike to the caves. Upon turning the corner and finally seeing the entrance you may think, "These aren't ice caves, this is where the Abominable Snowman lives, we've all been tricked into a cult sacrifice." The entrance is enormous. Once you've reached the cave, simply turning around and viewing the landscape framed by the mouth of the cave is captivating. This is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and no photo will truly capture the awe and magnitude of this sight.
Finally inside this mysterious marvel, a seventy-five minute tour awaits. Lit only by handheld lanterns you weave in and out of the most spectacular ice slides and sculptures. As the tour tunnels another 134 meters into the mountain the guide explains the different formations and how they came to be. Unfortunately filming and photography is prohibited since it slows the tour down. The challenge of photography inside this dark cave means that for most of us, the photography ban isn't a big loss. Consider this tour, a special little secret for your eyes only.
When to Go to Eisriesenwelt Werfen
Visiting the caves themselves can be done in any kind of weather, however, to enjoy the hike up and down good weather is preferred. On the day you visit, allow yourself roughly 4 hours to complete the excursion. The best way to experience the caves is by purchasing a round trip tour. It costs 50 euro and includes a shuttle to and from Salzburg, a tour guide and admission to the caves.
Odds n' Ends
Bring good hiking or running shoes and a few layers of clothing because even in the middle of summer the temperatures in the cave rest just below freezing.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
A hearty welcome to Leitenhof farm!Leitenhof is the best place to spend the most beautiful days of the year, with your family or friends.Stunning hikes ... 4 miles away
4 miles away
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Visit the Old-World Charm of Hallstatt Market
- If you have visited the more popular European cities such as Paris, London, Venice and Lisbon, you might want to look for an alternative route in your next European tour. Hailed as having the most beautiful lake in the world, Hallstatt is a city in the northern part of Austria encircled with stunning scenery of the lush alpine mountains. The name of the city is derived from the meaning “people of salt,” as it is known as the cradle of the world’s first ever salt mine. Aside from its world-renowned lake, Hallstatt is also famous for its ancient churches, wooden ...22 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Relax and listen to the soundtrack or sing along to the famous songs and lyrics including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Edelweiss, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, Sixteen ...21.68 miles away via Salzburg.
$47+
Let yourself by transported into the Salzburg of Mozart's time, complete with the colorful costumes and culinary delights so popular in the last 18th century. ...21.68 miles away via Salzburg.
$68+
+ 14 others. Show all.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Your tour meanders south along the picturesque Salzach Valley towards the idyllic village of Werfen, taking in historic monuments, sheer mountain passes and the most ...
Starting from $46.75 per person.
Starting from $46.75 per person.
Video
Video Wall
You are now being transfered to our Video Wall
Books and DVDs
- Frommer's Austria
- Come along with Frommer's and discover some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, from the towering peaks of the Alps to the dazzling baroque architecture of Vienna and Salzburg.
- Austria Country Guide
- Two German-speaking authors, 100 days of in-country research. New Walking chapter with 12 routes from challenging multi-day hikes to walks for families.
Elsewhere on the Web
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
French 
,
Turkish
are some of the languages spoken in Austria. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "eisriesenwelt werfen":
