40 kilometers south of Salzburg, at an altitude of 1,666 meters, in the Hochkogel-Westfalen region of Austria, there is an “ice world” waiting to be explored. Although only one part is open to the public, it is more than enough to marvel at the incredible beauty and feel the unforgettable mystery in front of an ice-covered cave system of more than 30,000 square meters and 42 kilometers long.
The huge ice world Eisriesenwelt is located high up on the Tennen alpine plateau, near the picturesque village of Werfen. Guided tours enter through a huge entrance 20 m wide and 18 m high, from the parking lot, 5 km from Werfen, a few meters up in 3 minutes by cable car or a half hour walk via stairs to wind down the Alpine slopes.
If you prefer to enjoy the view or don’t like to drive on the mountain roads, you can take a bus from the public bus company in Villefran to the parking lot.
The guided tour runs from May 1 to October 26, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., always with scientific and historical explanations by experienced guides. It lasts about an hour and a quarter, and after entering the first part, about one kilometer, you will see the impressive and very pure ice formation, which is responsible for everything, since this place was declared a “national monument”.
Visitors have lights similar to miner’s lanterns and can explore the passages of tunnels and steps between the ice formations, long staircases ascending and descending and passing through different areas such as the Diamond Kingdom (Diamantenreich). Illuminated by these lights, the stalactites, ice walls and crystalline natural sculptures shine with stunning effect.
Every visit to this place should also include a walk through Werfen to the impressive coronation of the medieval castle of Hohenverfen at the top of a steep hill.
Keep in mind that even in summer it is 30 degrees in the valley and the temperature inside the caves is almost always below 0ºC, so wear a jacket. It is also recommended to climb early, as the queues are long from the morning and on certain days in July and August, especially at noon, the parking lot can fill up and you have to return halfway.
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