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 Eisriesenwelt - Giant Ice World - Werfen
N 47° 30.639 E 013° 11.595
33T E 363956 N 5263495
the largest system of ice caves on our planet. Visit this unique natural phenomenon created by ice and rock!
Waymark Code: WMC6JV
Location: Salzburg, Austria
Date Posted: 08/01/2011
Views: 22
Cave formation:
The Eisriesenwelt is a labyrinth of caves with a total length of over 40 km. As is the case with all caves, their formation spans a long period of time. The first cracks and crevices in the limestone appeared during the elevation of the mountains approx. 100 million years ago and over the course of thousands of years became more developed and extended as a result of chemical reactions and water erosion. Caves in the alps are still developing, although in many cases the process of drying out has limited their development.
Ice in the caves:
There are various ways in which cave ice can form. The Eisriesenwelt is a dynamic cave, meaning that the corridors and the crevices connect lower lying entrances to higher openings hence making it possible for draughts of air to circulate. Depending upon the outside temperature, it is either warmer or cooler inside the mountain and this causes the air to circulate upwards or downwards. In winter, when the air inside the mountain is warmer than outside, cold air streams into the mountain and reduces the temperature of the lower areas of the caves to below freezing point. In spring the meltwater seeps through the cracks in the rock and when it reaches the colder lower areas of the caves it freezes and turns slowly into the wonderful ice formations visible inside the caves.
Preparations for your visit:
Heavy shoes and warm clothing are recommended. Even in summer the temperature is usually below freezing. Lamps are handed out at the entrance to the cave, and during the tour additional magnesium lighting highlights the ice sculptures to great effect. The cave itself is a national monument and may only be entered by authorised guides.
Health and Fitness:
Visitors have to climb 134 metres, which is equivalent to climbing the stairs in a high block of flats. Each individual must decide for himself whether he is physically capable or not. The beauty and breathtaking dimensions of the cave provide plenty of reward for the effort! Although the speed of the guided tour is tailored to the group, we advise those with serious walking difficulties or heart circulation problems not to visit the caves.
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
The attraction’s own URL: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
Caves and cable-car service: daily from 1. May to 26. October. Opening times : 9.00 - 15.30 (last guided tour) or 16.30 (last guided tour in July and August). Tours last 75 minutes. Visitors should allow 3-4 hours for the whole visit.
Admission Prices:
Combination Ticket (Cave Visit and Cable Car)
- Standard ticket € 19,00
- Reduction* € 17,00
- Children** € 9,50
Cave visit (without cable car)
- Standard Ticket € 8,50
- Reduction* € 7,50
- Children** € 4,50
Cable car (without cave visit)
- Standard return trip € 10,50
- Ascent € 5,50
- Descent € 5,00
- Reduction / Return trip* € 9,50
- Return Trip / Children** € 5,00
- Ascent Children** € 2,50
- Descent Children** € 2,50
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Half of a day (2-5 hours)
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle or Public Transportation
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