A fascinating ice cave adventure
Eisriesenwelt Werfen & ice cave on the Untersberg
A special experience is a visit to the ice caves in the Eisriesenwelt in Werfen or the Schellenberg ice cave on the Bavarian side of the Untersberg. Discover mystical cave systems on an adventurous excursion from Salzburg. Bizarre worlds of ice and rock open up before you when you visit the Eisriesenwelt in Werfen or the Schellenberger Eishöhle on the mystical Untersberg.
Ice Giant World Werfen
It was not until the end of the 19th century that this unique cave system near Salzburg was discovered by the Salzburg naturalist Anton von Posselt-Czorich. However, his discovery was forgotten and it was not until some time later, in the 1920s, that this natural phenomenon was remembered again and the cave was opened to visitors.
Guided tours take place at least every full or half hour and last about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Journey to Werfen
You can easily reach Werfen, which is around 45 km away, by car, train or bus from Salzburg. From the village, follow the clearly visible signs. An access road takes you to the parking lots of the Eisriesenwelt and the visitor center.
Schellenberg ice cave on the Untersberg
The fascinating ice cave at an altitude of 1,570 meters in the Untersberg massif is the only and therefore also the largest accessible ice show cave in Germany. Inside, you can discover mighty ice formations and halls. Today, guided tours are offered and the ice cave on the Untersberg is a popular excursion destination, not least because of its unique location on the Untersberg – one of Salzburg’s favorite mountains, which the Dalai Lama named the “heart chakra of Europe”.
During a guided tour of around 45 minutes, you will learn more about the history of exploration and the formation of caves in general.
Journey to the Untersberg ice cave
Hikers can reach the ice cave on foot from the Bavarian side from Markt Schellenberg in around 3.5 hours. Markt Schellenberg can be easily reached by car in around 30 minutes or by public transport. If you prefer to climb the Untersberg by cable car, take the Untersbergbahn from St. Leonhard. From the mountain station, you can reach the ice cave via the Untersberg massif in around 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level and hiking experience.
Image credits © SalzburgerLand Tourismus
