I visited the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave and Dachstein Ice Cave in Austria and explored a world of ice and frost
When I think about Summer in the Alps, I can’t imagine visiting an ice cave in Austria. Hot and long Summer days are usually for me associated with outdoors activities and swims at the late, not exploring glittering caverns and ice tunnels. Well, during my last visit in the Alps I not only found out that Austria has the largest ice cave in the world, but also that is available for a visit all year long except during the cold winter.
Exploring the Eisriesenwelt and Dachstein Ice Caves: What to Expect
There are only a few ice caves in continental Europe travelers can access to. The Ice Grotto of Mittelallalin in Switzerland and the Dobšinská Ice Cave in Slovakia are some of the most famous ones. Yet, they might not be as beautiful as the two of the ice caves you can explore in Austria: Dachstein and Eisriesenwelt.
Located only 75 km away from each other and very close to the German border, Dachstein and Eisriesenwelt became popular stops for European travelers during a weekend trip to Salzburg or Hallstatt, as well for those cruising the Alps.
Why Visit Austria’s Ice Caves During Summer?
Oddly, most ice caves in Austria are not accessible on winter. Tours to Dachstein or Eisriesenwelt can be taken only between May and October, as this is the time where the route is not completely covered with ice and snow. Even though during Summer temperatures are hot enough to melt the ice within minutes, the doors of the cave are kept closed and the cold wind from inside blows toward the entrance to prevent the giant ice formations from melting. Alternatively, the entrance of the cave is kept open during winter. This is the time, when the icy winter winds blow into the cave and freeze the snow inside.
Each cave offers a completely different experience too. Due to its proximity to the idyllic town of Hallstatt, Dachstein has been lately developed to be more a tourist attraction: Cave bears, rope bridge and a light show are now part of the program. While in Eisriesenwelt travelers can do only lamp-lit tours which in some way transport you back in time.
NOTE: There are several signs stating that photography is not allowed inside Eisriesenwelt. However, some tour guides understands that this is a very memorable experience to most people and they don’t mind if you snap one or two photographs during the tour.
Read more: The Liechtenstein Trail: Hiking Across The World’s Sixth-Smallest Nation
Dachstein Ice Cave: Highlights and Visitor Guide
Planning a tour to Dachstein is not difficult at all. There are guided tours held in English and German every 30 minutes, and tickets can be either purchased online, at the ticket station in Hallstatt or at the feet of the Dachstein Mountain.
To visit the Giant Ice Cave of Dachstein you also need to take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car and then walk around 15 minutes to the cave.
Prices in Dachstein:
- Dachstein Panorama Ticket: 43,80 EUR
- Dachstein Cave: 48,60 EUR
- Dachstein Full Ticket: 62,30 EUR
- Dachtein Full Ticket after 12:00: 58,30 EUR
Best Time to Visit Dachstein
The best time to visit the Dachstein Ice Caves, particularly the famous Eisriesenwelt, is during the warmer months from May to October. This is when the ice caves are fully open to visitors, and the weather conditions are more favorable for exploring the mountainous region. While it may seem counterintuitive to visit ice caves during warmer months, this period offers the best combination of accessibility and visibility.
Opening times
In 2020 the Dachstein Ice Cave will be open to the public until November 2nd 2020 and the times for the last guided tour are:
- 29.05.20 until 03.07.20 – close at 3:30 PM
- 04.07.20 until 13.09.20 – close at 4:30 PM
- 14.09.20 until 02.11.20 – close at 3:30 PM
Where to stay
The closes town to Dachstein is the beautiful and charming village of Hallstatt. This is an extremely popular spot in Austria and accommodation should be booked in advanced if you are traveling in high season.
Read more: How to plan a road trip around Iceland
Read more: Planning a 10-day hiking trip in the Dolomites: The Alta Via 1
Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave: What You Need to Know
Traveling to Eisriesenwelt feels more like a little adventure. It is also located on top of a mountain (next to the town of Werfen) and can get accessed by cable car or walking. However, travelers have to get first to the middle section of the mountain by car or public transportation, where the ticket office is located.
Tickets can be purchase in advance on their website or straight at the office.
Prices:
- Online Ticket with Cable Car: 38 EUR online / 42 EUR in Person
How to Reach Eisriesenwelt
Located about 40 kilometers south of Salzburg, the journey typically begins from Werfen, the nearest town. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reaching the caves:
- By Car:
If you’re traveling by car, take the A10 Tauern Autobahn and exit at Werfen, following the signs to Eisriesenwelt. The drive from Salzburg to the base station takes approximately 45 minutes. There’s a large parking area near the cable car station, where you can leave your vehicle. - By Train:
For those relying on public transport, take a train from Salzburg to Werfen, which takes about 45 minutes. From the Werfen train station, a shuttle bus runs regularly during the cave’s open season, transporting visitors directly to the lower cable car station. - Cable Car:
From the cable car base station, you can either hike or take a short cable car ride to the entrance of the caves. The cable car ride is a breathtaking experience, offering panoramic views of the alpine landscape. Once you disembark, a short but steep 20-minute walk will take you to the cave’s entrance. - Hiking Option:
For the more adventurous, you can choose to hike from the parking lot instead of taking the cable car. The trail is steep and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but it’s a rewarding journey with beautiful views along the way. Keep in mind that the hike can be physically demanding, so it’s important to be well-prepared and wear appropriate footwear.
Read more: Road Trip in the Alps – The High Alpine Road of Austria
Read more: How to plan a road trip in the Alps
Opening times
The Ice cave of Eisriesenwelt is open to the public from Mai 1st until October 31 (2024) and the opening times are:
- Daily from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where to stay
The closest town to Eisriesenwelt is Werfen. This medieval town is known for its castle on top of a hill. However, most travelers visiting Eisriesenwelt come straight from Salzburg (60 km away) or pay a visit to the ice cave as a simple stop on their way to the Alps.
NOTE: The temperature for both ice caves is around -2 °C. It is recommended to wear warm clothes or take warm clothes with you when visiting inside.
Read more: Exploring Saxon Switzerland – Germany’s most beautiful National Park
Read more: Which are the best activities in the Dolomites
Read more: What is the most difficult hike in the Dolomites
Eisriesenwelt and Dachstein are simply incredible. I felt fascinated visiting an ice cave in Austria for first time and the tour at Eisriesenwelt was totally worth it. I’m the kind of person who prefers to travel more independently and explore places like this only with a private guide or by myself. However, the information provided and the idea of exploring a cave with a lamp from the 20s really impressed me.
Between a stalactite cave and an ice cave I’m not sure which one I would prefer. They are both fascinating and exciting. Yet, when it comes to an experience that takes you completely out of guard, an ice cave definitely takes the top price.
Furthermore, between a visit to Dachstein or Eisriesenwelt, I would say each experience is completely different and depending on what you are looking for, one of these two caves definitely offers it.
Read more: Which are the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Europe
Read more: Which are the best hiking routes in Liechtenstein
