Austria is a country that takes everything from the neighborhood with the Alps: interesting landscapes, and impressive landscapes, and excellent ski slopes ... and mysterious caves as well! It is here that the largest and longest system of ice caves in the world is located – Eisriesenwelt: it reaches 42 kilometers. It is located near Salzburg, in the city of Werfen, in the Mountains of Tennengebirge.
But not only the scale of Eisriesenwelt became famous - it is just incredibly beautiful. Icebergs and icy rivers, sparkling tunnels, tangles of corridors and passages - all this is formed due to water in the warm season, which freezes with the arrival of cold weather.
How did the impressive caves come about?
It is believed that Eisriesenwelt appeared before the last ice age, and they were discovered in 1879 - you need to say thank you to Alexander von Mörk, the founder of the Society of Speleologists of Salzburg.
Local authorities immediately understood how to make money on such beauty: after the scientists completed their research, they conducted lighting here, made convenient and safe paths, fences, several guest houses on the surface - and opened the entrance to all suffering tourists.
What will surprise Eisriesenvelt on the tour
Excursions here are held from April 28 to October 26 (approximately, the dates should be clarified depending on the year, as the weather may affect). The entrance to the cave costs about 12-15, the ascent by cable car is additionally paid - a comprehensive ticket costs from 24 euros. If you are sorry for the money for the cable car, you will have to stomp in the hill to the entrance to the caves for almost an hour and a half, so think well.
Travelers are advised to dress warmly: the ice in the cave does not melt, and although in winter it is warmer than in the open air, but the temperature is close to a slight minus.
Basically, the guides conduct excursions to all the main and beautiful sights of Eisriesenwelt:
- A huge stalagmite "Posselt Tower" (it was named after one of the discoverers of these caves),
- "Himira Castle",
- Alexander von Mörk Cathedral: one of the largest halls of the cave complex, where usually all tours end. The ashes of the researcher were buried here, so that it will be possible to say goodbye to him a sincere thank you for the wonderful discovery.
