Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
Explore the world's largest ice cave, a breathtaking natural wonder with colossal ice formations illuminated by kerosene lamps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's largest ice cave, a breathtaking natural wonder with colossal ice formations illuminated by kerosene lamps.
"A once-in-a-lifetime experience! Beautiful and stunning cave and an adventure that brings back 'cold' hiking vibes."
Warm Clothes are Essential
It's 0°C inside! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves. Warm clothes are mandatory for a comfortable visit. :snowflake:
Book Online for Savings
Booking your Eisriesenwelt cave tickets online can be cheaper than on-site. Save money and secure your spot! :euro:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Ice Palace
Inside the cave
Vast chambers filled with breathtaking ice formations, illuminated by lamps for an otherworldly glow.
Frozen Waterfalls
Inside the cave
Spectacular natural sculptures of ice that mimic cascading waterfalls, a testament to nature's artistry.
The Ice Organ
Inside the cave
Unique ice formations resembling organ pipes, creating a surreal and memorable visual.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Cold, Even in Summer
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hallo! Got some questions about Werfen, Austria.
Warm Clothes are Essential
It's 0°C inside! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves. Warm clothes are mandatory for a comfortable visit. :snowflake:
Book Online for Savings
Booking your Eisriesenwelt cave tickets online can be cheaper than on-site. Save money and secure your spot! :euro:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The tour involves a 1km hike into the cave with many steps. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow a Full Day
This is a full-day activity. Don't plan other major sightseeing for the same day. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Clothes are Essential
It's 0°C inside! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves. Warm clothes are mandatory for a comfortable visit. :snowflake:
Book Online for Savings
Booking your Eisriesenwelt cave tickets online can be cheaper than on-site. Save money and secure your spot! :euro:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The tour involves a 1km hike into the cave with many steps. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow a Full Day
This is a full-day activity. Don't plan other major sightseeing for the same day. :clock1:
No Flashlights Needed
Guides provide illumination. Bringing your own flashlight is discouraged to maintain the cave's atmosphere. :flashlight:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave as a breathtaking and unique natural wonder, often describing it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime experience.' The sheer scale of the ice formations and the atmospheric kerosene lighting are major highlights. However, some find the tour physically demanding due to the numerous steps and the cold temperature, advising thorough preparation.
"This is the largest ice cave in the world, and it's truly worth the visit. The tour takes over an hour and includes an authentic walk through massive ice formations — all lit by kerosene lamps, which makes it feel like stepping back in time.
Make sure to bring warm clothes, even on a hot summer day — it's freezing inside the cave (0 degrees).
I recommend booking online in advance — it’s a bit cheaper (€38 with the cable car) compared to buying on site (€42).
There are large free parking areas, and everything is well organized.
Our guide spoke excellent German and English, and the whole tour was very professional."
Laura Ķirsone
"Great attraction, till 10:00 very little people, later on it was crowded. Place had around 0° and tour lasted a bit over an hour. Great attraction, easy walk"
Maria Malinowska
"A once in a lifetime experience! Beautiful and stunning cave and an adventure that brings back “old” hiking 🥾 vibes. Don’t being a flashlight - they want the atmosphere as authentic as possible. Warm clothing, water and snacks are mandatory since getting there as well as the 1km hike into the cave are really exhausting and a strong physical activity. You climb up alone 700+ steps alone in the cave. Dogs are allowed but honestly I wouldn’t consider bringing it. Too many stairs inside. Also be aware that this is a full day activity. We were naive to think that we could go and see Salzburg old town afterwards. There is a small Hüttn that serves really yummi Schnitzel and Salad - we recharged there instead. Have fun exploring!!! With good preparation a trip you will never forget."
Christiane Bunnyhill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Eisriesenwelt is by car or public transport. From Salzburg, you can take a train to Werfen station, which takes about 40-50 minutes. From Werfen station, a bus or taxi will take you to the cave's parking area. The Eisriesenwelt cable car is then used to ascend to the cave entrance.
Yes, there are large, free parking areas available at the base of the Eisriesenwelt. The area is generally well-organized for visitors arriving by car.
The Eisriesenwelt cable car is a steep ascent that significantly reduces the hiking time to the cave entrance. It's a crucial part of the journey for most visitors, making the trip more accessible.
The journey from Salzburg to Eisriesenwelt typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, including train travel, bus/taxi, and the cable car ride. Allow ample time for travel and exploration.
Absolutely! Public transport is a viable option. Take a train to Werfen and then a local bus or taxi to the cave's base. The cable car and cave tour are accessible from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a combined ticket including the cable car is often around €38-€42. Booking online might offer a slight discount compared to on-site purchases. Check the official website for current pricing.
Eisriesenwelt typically opens in May and closes in October. Specific daily opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
It is highly recommended to book your Eisriesenwelt tour tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your spot and potentially get a better price.
The standard tour is the most common and lasts about an hour, guiding you through the main ice formations. Special tours or private bookings might be available upon request.
Typically, the ticket price includes the cable car ride up to the cave entrance and the guided tour inside the Eisriesenwelt ice cave itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the Eisriesenwelt remains consistently around 0°C (32°F) year-round. It's crucial to dress warmly, even on hot summer days.
The guided tour through the Eisriesenwelt ice cave lasts approximately one hour. The entire experience, including travel to the cave and the cable car, is a full-day activity.
Yes, the tour involves a significant amount of walking and climbing over 700 steps inside the cave. It's considered a strong physical activity, so good fitness is recommended.
No, you cannot bring your own flashlight. The cave is illuminated by kerosene lamps provided by the guides to maintain an authentic atmosphere.
Dogs are allowed, but it's generally not recommended due to the numerous stairs and the physically demanding nature of the tour. It might be too challenging for most pets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small hut (Hüttn) near the cave entrance that serves food, such as Schnitzel and salad. It's a good place to recharge after the cave tour.
While there are dining options available, bringing your own water and snacks is advisable, especially given the physical exertion involved in reaching and exploring the cave.
The on-site restaurant typically offers hearty Austrian fare, with options like Schnitzel and salads being popular choices for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Eisriesenwelt, but tripods and extensive setups are usually prohibited to avoid disrupting the tour flow and other visitors.
The entire cave is a photographer's dream, but look for areas with dramatic ice formations, the 'Ice Organ,' and the 'Frozen Waterfalls' for stunning shots. The unique lighting adds to the atmosphere.
Given the low light, a wider aperture and higher ISO will be beneficial. Consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod if permitted for sharper images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are dressed in warm layers as the temperature is consistently 0°C. While dogs are allowed, it's generally not recommended due to the strenuous climb. Consider bringing snacks and water, though a small hut offers refreshments. The unique environment and the 'adventure' aspect can be captivating for older children who can handle the physical demands.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Remember to wear appropriate hiking or sturdy shoes and dress in layers to manage the 0°C temperature. The raw, natural beauty and the feeling of exploring a vast underground world make this a highly rewarding activity for active travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Ice Giants
Once at the upper station, a short walk leads to the cave's mouth. The entire journey, from Werfen to the cave, is designed to be an experience, building anticipation for the natural wonder that awaits. It's important to factor in travel time, as this is not a quick stop but rather a significant part of a day trip.
For those driving, ample free parking is available at the base. The organization of the arrival process is frequently praised by visitors, ensuring a smooth transition from transport to the start of the cave tour.
Exploring the World's Largest Ice Cave
The tour involves navigating over 700 steps within the cave, making it a physically demanding but rewarding experience. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and warm clothing, as the temperature inside remains a constant 0°C (32°F) year-round. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights into the cave's geology, history, and the ongoing processes that shape its icy interior.
While photography is generally permitted, it's important to be mindful of the tour's pace and other visitors. Tripods are usually not allowed. The sheer scale and beauty of the ice formations, combined with the unique historical lighting, create an unforgettable adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit