Overview:

Giant Ice Caves, Werfen In Austria are one of the largest ice caves in all of Europe. Located only an hour from Salzburg, the caves span for almost 5 miles with intricate ice forms, caves and tunnels. A guided tour takes approximately two hours and visitors can explore the icy abyss, learning about the history of the caves, and appreciate its unique frozen beauty. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

The giant ice caves in Werfen, Austria, are some of the largest and most spectacular ice caves in the world. Located in the Tennengebirge Mountains, a range in the Northern Limestone Alps, the site includes two cave systems, the Eisriesenwelt or “World of the Ice Giants” and the adjacent Schönberg ice cave. These awe-inspiring caves are believed to have been created during the second Ice Age, when glaciers carved into the limestone mountain walls, leaving behind a series of tunnels, chambers and galleries. Visitors can explore the majestic ice formations and observe the numerous permanent ice sculptures, created by nature over the centuries. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

The Werfen Ice Cave is a natural limestone ice cave in Werfen, Austria. It is located in the Tennengebirge Mountains which are part of the Northern Limestone Alps. The cave is located inside a mountain approximately two kilometres long. It is the largest known system of ice caves in the world and is one of the largest tourist attractions in Austria, attracting over 100,000 visitors yearly. The main entrance to the cave is located near the village of Werfen which is located about 95 km south of Salzburg. The first recorded exploration of the ice cave was in 1879 by Eduard Seler and Alfred Hitchcock. The pair discovered the cave and were the first to map it. A few years later in 1891, the pair returned with more detailed maps and records of the cave. Since that time, the cave has been regularly visited by explorers, geologists, and tourists. The ice inside the cave is made up of snow and ice which has accumulated over thousands of years. This unique environment has led to the formation of a wide range of unique structures including a variety of ice sculptures, stalactites, and frozen waterfalls. The cave has also been used for various film and television productions, including the 1975 horror classic The Wicker Man. The cave is home to several species of rarely seen animals, including the European snow vole, which is found nowhere else in the world. The cave is also home to several species of bats which use the cave as a hibernation site in the winter months. Today, the cave is a popular tourist destination and can be accessed from Werfen by several walking trails. There are also trails connecting it to nearby towns such as Werfen and Reichenau. In the summer months, the cave can get quite warm due to the sun radiating through the ice and providing warmth. However, in the winter, temperatures inside the cave can drop as low as -25 degrees Celsius. Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Werfen Ice Cave is one of the largest ice caves in the world, measuring over 42 km (26 miles) in length and making it the 11th longest explored cave in the world. 2. The entrance to the cave is 800m (2600ft) above sea-level, and the inside of the cave is filled with incredible icy sculptures; frozen lakes, ice curtains, columns and figures. 3. During the winter months, the interior of the ice cave can reach temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F). 4. During the summer months, the heat from the outside seeps into the cave, melting some of the spectacular ice formations. 5. Despite the intense temperatures, a number of different species of creatures can be found inside the cavern. These include various species of spiders, crabs, and even miniature salamanders. 6. Throughout the year, a range of activities and guided tours are organized for tourists who wish to explore the cave safely. One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era