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Eisriesenwelt

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This limestone ice cave system is one of the most idyllic nature attractions of Austrian Alpine region, and it is the largest one in the world extending over 42 kilometres. It is located near Werfen in the Pongau area, Salzburg state.

The first official discoverer of Eisriesenwelt was Anton Posselt, a natural scientist from Salzburg. He research cave in 1879.

Austrian speleologist Alexander von Mörk led few expeditions into the caves beginning in 1912. Von Mörk was killed in World War I in 1914, and an urn containing his ashes is inside a niche in the cave.

Since 1955 a a cable car has been serving the visitors to assist climbing to the entrance of the cave.

Good winter shoes and warm clothing are required for visiting the cave, due the freezing interior.

 

Formation

Eisriesenwelt 2

The cave has a length of 42 kilometers, but only the first kilometer is covered in ice. The complex was formed by the Salzach river, which eroded passageways into the mountain. The ice formations in the cave were formed by thawing snow which drained into the cave and froze during winter.

The part allowed for visitors consists:

  • The Posselt Hall, a large room with a stalagmite called Posselt Tower in the centre. Past the Posselt Tower, there is an ashen cross on the wall of the cave, marking the farthest point of exploration of Anton Posselt.
  • The Great Ice Embankment, a massive formation that rises to a height of 25 metres and represents the area of greatest ice growth.
  • Hymir’s Castle, named after a giant in Norse mythology. Here stalactites create a formation called Frigga’s Veil or the Ice Organ.
  • The Alexander von Mörk Cathedral, resting place of von Mörk’s ashes.
  • The Ice Palace, a kilometre into the cave and 400 metres underground.

 

Tours

Tour groups usually do not have to register in advance. The cable car transportation and cave tours are available to the visitors only in the order of their arrival. The average tour takes about one hour and 15 minutes. Prices are visible here.

Specific information and registrations (especially for groups) are also available at +43 (0) 6468/5293 or e-mail: eisriesenwelt.linie@aon.at

 

Something to explore nearby

The medieval Hohenwerfen Fortress is worth of getting to know in Werfen.

 

How to get there

Austrian national railway company ÖBB operates the Salzburg-Tyrol railway line having a stop in Werfen. S3 train stops at Werfen. Ticket prices and timetables of the ÖBB are visible here.

The bus transport from Werfen to the Eisriesenwelt parking area / visitor’s center is available to several times a day. The public bus always leaves the Werfen railway station at 8:18 AM, 10:18 AM, 12:18 PM and 2:18 PM. Outside of these times, a transfer is offered from the bus departure point at Gries (about 5 minutes on foot from the railway station) directly at the access road to the Eisriesenwelt.

 

Text: Timo Hellman

Photos: With the CC licence / Geolina163, Cartographer 89, Euler2010

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