Firstly, the drive up the mountain is one of my favorite ever journeys! Then the trekking here can be tiring for many! whilst the other option of the cable car, which provides fantastic views, is absolutely terrifying for those of us who don't like heights. Although it is over quite quickly! Once there, the walk around the caves themselves is not too difficult. I found the entire place overwhelming and amazing. The fact you can't take any pictures etc is a little bit of a rip off, but it can be forgiven as prices aren't too expensive. I'd recommend it to anyone!
A good drive out of the main city. One needs to do a fair amount of trekking, it is a good idea to have trekking poles and many do so. We took a little longer than 20 mins to trek up on both parts before and after the cable car ride. The cave itself is fabulous, what a view! Well worth all the trek! Put your gloves on inside the cave.
We enjoyed it,though the kids felt little tiring of the20 mints walk after the cable car & thee steps inside the cave.There was about 700 steps up & down. The Guide was very nice,It is dark inside.Every fifth member of the group is given a latern to get the steps
The Trip:Been here twice in two months. Hiked from the village of Werfen to the entrance of the Ice Caves. Wonderful views that remind you of "The Sound of Music", since it is where part of the movie was actually shot. The atmosphere outside is great even without going inside the cave.The Cave:It changes every year, so each experience is different. You get very old school oil lamps which adds to the ambiance. Make sure you get to the front of the line. Many lazy/slow people at the back, and middle ruin the trip for you. If you're genuinely interested in the stories being shared about this cave, stick to the front of the line, even if it means waiting for the next tour to start. You'll be glad you did. The large, open areas of the ice cave are breathtakingly beautiful. They claim it has over 700 steps, so you're in for a mini-workout and make sure to bundle up. It's cold in there.The Accommodations:There's a restaurant 10 min away from the entrance of the cave. Its a great place to catch your breath, and get a snack or beer.
One of the best attractions I visited during my trip to Austria and Prague. I had never been to an ice cave before. It was very different from my expectations. This one involved a lot of walking under very cold weather. The inside tour of the caves was very nice - while the tour guide shared interesting facts for the cave, walking in the dark with lanterns in our hands felt like an adventure in itself. I would recommend this to all.PS: It involves significant effort. All those who are not fit enough to take it, should probably skip this one
Agreed they are the highest ice caves in the world and really a unique experience especially when the travel guide uses lights behind the ice and they light up, but from a caving perspective, they are quite ordinary. The cable car leading to the caves offers breathtaking views. However, the trek leading up to the caves from the cable car point is quite dangerous with ice and slippery roads and very taxing, especially if you are carrying bags or rucksacks. Also, I don't understand why they don't allow photography.
If you're going to Salzburg allow one more day to visit Eisriesenwelt. It's a 40 minute drive from Salzburg in a beautiful road up until you get at the park entrance. From there you have to hike a little bit (about 30 minutes) up to the cable car. The views are wonderful from the trail and from the cable. Then you have to hike up (another 30 minutes) to the cave entrance which is really astonishing.Very well organized as everything in Germany. You can take the tour in either English or German. My guide was very nice. The cave is huge with beautiful ice formations, some of them are huge. You walk for about 1 kilometer inside the cave. The strong air flow getting in and out of the cave are really nice.No photos or video are allowed which is a very good thing in this case. Before getting the cable car down, take your time at the cafeteria. Probably one of the most beautiful views to enjoy a nice Austrian beer!
My husband and I did multiple things while in Munich and Salzburg in October but this was my absolute favorite! Wear proper clothes and shoes like they tell you and be prepared to hike and have your mind blown away! You feel like you step straight into the Ork (spelling?) cave in the Hobbit with high cave ceilings, small bridge crossings and your little flame lit lantern! Amazing and I would have no problem volunteering to do anything to just be able to climb around in there whenever. We booked through viator but the tour left downtown salzburg and was so easy to find!
Must visit with so much to learn. 45 kms cave (very less accessible)with beautiful ice formations. Steep climbing. 40 Mins. Walk to reach cave then 1400 steps inside cave and 40 mins. Walk to return. Easily 3 hours plan. But when inside cave you forget all the walking after seeing the magnitude of the cave. Very very well preserved. My only issue was, to enter the cave, a group of 30-35 people is formed and taken inside with a guide. We had to wait more than a hour for English guide and the German guide were taking groups every 5 mins. This irritated all English speaking people waiting for there turn. Maximum tourist prefer English as a global language and tourist must not be kept waiting this way. Besides this issue this is a must visit.
1 must do if u have atleast 2 days in salzburg. Its got a decent walk but do not frgt to carry a monkey cap for the cold inside the caves