Werfen Ice Caves (Eisriesenwelt)

The Basics

Access to the Werfen Ice Caves (Eisriesenwelt), nicknamed the World of Ice Giants, is by guided tour only. During the cave tour, visitors are led through the interior to sights including the gigantic Eispalast (Ice Palace) chamber and the sculpture Frigga's Veil, also known as the Ice Organ, formed by rows of icicles.

Visitors often explore the ice caves as part of organized excursions from Salzburg, which typically include transfers as well as entrance to the cave. Some full-day tours combine a visit to the caves with a trip to Golling Waterfall (Gollinger Wasserfall), the Salzwelten Hallstatt salt mines, and the medieval-era Hohenwerfen Castle.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Werfen Ice Caves is a must for nature lovers and the adventurous.

• Though the tour takes just 1 hours 15 minutes, allow at least 3 hours for your visit as the journey to the cave’s entrance takes additional time.

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes and warm clothes. The temperature inside the caves will be below freezing.

• Getting to the ice caves involves an uphill hike, and tours include ascents up many steps, so this attraction is best suited to reasonably fit travelers.

• Leave your camera behind—photography is not allowed inside the caves.

How to Get There

To get to the caves, drive or take the train to the town of Werfen, Austria, situated about 24 miles (40 kilometers) south of Salzburg. From there, follow the 3.5-mile (6-kilometer) signposted access road to the parking lot near the visitor center. If you don’t have a car, buses are available, departing from Werfen Station and more frequently from the Gries parking lot, a 5-minute signposted walk from Werfen Station. From the visitor center, it’s a 20-minute uphill hike to the cable car. Once you disembark, it’s a further 20-minute climb to the cave entrance.

When to Get There

The caves are open May–October and are busiest during July and August. To avoid the busiest times, go in early morning (8am–9am) or later in the afternoon (3pm–4pm).

The History of the Caves

Because of their remote setting, the caves remained largely unknown to outsiders up until the late 19th century when explorer Anton von Posselt-Czorich entered them. Posselt-Czorich only got about 650 feet (200 meters) into the caves, but his research inspired further exploration in the early 20th century. The addition of wooden planks, climbing aids, and an access road—followed by an aerial cable car in 1955—granted access to more and more visitors.

Are Werfen Ice Caves worth visiting?

Absolutely, the Werfen Ice Caves, aka Eisriesenwelt, are worth visiting. They’re the largest ice caves in the world and offer a wild natural spectacle of intricate ice formations, caverns, and tunnels. Moreover, guests can ride up on Austria’s steepest gondola lift and enjoy fabulous mountain views of the valley below.

What do you wear to Werfen Ice Caves?

It's recommended that guests wear warm clothing when visiting the Werfen Ice Caves, even in the hot summer months, as the caves maintain a chilly temperature; they are frozen, after all. Layering is smart, so pack that warm jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

How accessible are the Werfen Ice Caves?

The Werfen Ice Caves are not suitable for people with mobility issues. The walk to the cave entrance from the cable car station is roughly 20 minutes and slightly uphill; from there, visitors will navigate uneven terrain, narrow passages, and plenty of stairs in the cave itself.

How long does the tour of the Werfen Ice Caves last?

The guided tour of the Werfen Ice Caves typically lasts around 70 minutes. This duration includes exploring the various caves' chambers, tunnels, and ice formations; it does not include the walk to and from the cave entrance. (Most visitors take roughly 20 minutes each way.)

Can I tour the Werfen Ice Caves on my own?

No, visitors are not allowed to tour the Werfen Ice Caves on their own in any circumstance. Access to the caves is only permitted through timed, guided tours led by experienced cave guides; this ensures the safety of visitors, controls visitation numbers, and helps preserve the fragile environment of the caves.

Are the Werfen Ice Caves suitable for children?

While the Werfen Ice Caves are suitable for older children and teenagers, the tour's physical demands make the caves not a good fit for younger children. Additionally, children should be able to tolerate the cold temperatures inside the caves. Ultimately, it’s the parent’s decision—just be prepared to offer piggyback rides.