Eisriesenwelt ('World of the Ice Giants') is the largest ice cave in the world, set at about 1,641 m in the Tennengebirge massif near Werfen, roughly 40 km south of Salzburg. Though the cave system stretches more than 42 km, only the first kilometre or so is covered in ice, and that ice section is what visitors explore on a guided tour. First discovered in 1879 by natural scientist Anton Posselt and systematically explored from 1912 by Alexander von Mörk, it now draws around 200,000 visitors a year and opens daily from 1 May to 1 November in 2026. The trip up by shuttle, cable car and alpine path plus the climb through the cave is demanding, but the towering, sub-zero ice formations are breathtaking even in high summer.
Colossal ice walls and formations just past the entrance, including the towering 'Posselt Tower' rising dozens of metres
Translucent frozen waterfalls and ice curtains formed over ages by dripping and flowing meltwater
The primeval, atmospheric feel of exploring by the glow of carbide/magnesium lamps rather than electric light
The Alexander von Mörk 'ice cathedral,' a memorial chamber holding the ashes of the pioneering explorer
Sweeping views over the Salzach valley and Hohenwerfen Fortress from the cable-car station and the alpine approach path
Good to know
SafetyThe guided route involves roughly 700 steps and a total of 134 m of climbing (like a 40-storey building). It is strenuous; those with knee, heart or respiratory issues, and very young children (3-4), should weigh this carefully.
SeasonIn 2026 the cave is open only 1 May to 1 November and closed in winter. Interior temperatures stay below freezing even in midsummer, so warm layers, a hat, gloves and sturdy non-slip footwear are essential year-round.
RulesPhotography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the cave. Online tickets use 30-minute timeslots, so plan to arrive at the visitor centre within your booked window.
MannersYou move only as a guided group; do not stray from the party or touch the ice. In the dimly lit passages, keep pace with the person ahead and avoid loud noise out of courtesy to others.
CautionBook through the official site eisriesenwelt.at. Third-party resellers may add markups or mismatched timeslots, and prices and hours should always be re-checked against current official information.
SafetyFrom the upper cable-car station to the cave entrance you walk about 20 minutes on an exposed alpine trail beside steep drops. It requires a head for heights and good footwear, especially when the path is wet.
Practical info
From Salzburg, take the REX train about 40 minutes to Werfen, then the shuttle bus (departures 08:26/10:26/12:26/14:26, or every 25 min from the Gries stop in peak season) to the visitor centre (~20 min), followed by the cable car (~3 min) and a ~20-minute alpine walk to the cave. By car, use the A10 Tauern motorway and the toll-free 5 km access road from Werfen to the car park; in 2026 the ticket desk runs 08:30-15:00, cable car 08:45-15:20 and cave tours 09:30-15:45, but always verify current prices, hours and schedules on the official website.
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