Word of the Ice Giants

The World of the Ice Giants Werfen & Ice Cave on the Untersberg

Definitely a special experience is a visit at the ice caves at the World of the Ice Giants in Werfen or the Schellenberg ice cave on the Bavarian side of the Untersberg. Discover the mystic cave systems on an adventurous excursion from Salzburg. Bizarre worlds of ice and rock open up to you if you visit the World of the Ice Giants in Werfen or the Schellenberg ice cave on the mystic Untersberg.

World of the Ice Giants in Werfen

It was only in the late 19th century that the Salzburg naturalist Anton von Posselt-Czorich discovered the unique system of caves near Salzburg. But his discovery was forgotten and only years later, in the 1920s, people remembered the natural phenomena and opened the cave for visitors. 

Tours take place at least at the top and bottom of every hour and take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Arrival at Werfen

Take the car, train or bus from Salzburg to conveniently get to Werfen, 45km away from your hotel. Once in Werfen just follow the signs. An access road leads to the parking spaces at the World of Ice Giants and the visitor centre.

Schellenberg ice cave on the Untersberg

The fascinating ice caves at 1,570 metres in the Unterberg massif is Germany's only and therefore biggest accessible show ice cave. Discover impressive ice formations and ice halls inside. Today tours are offered and the ice cave on Untersberg is a popular excursion destination, not only because of its unique location on the Untersberg  – one of the Salzburg locals' favourite mountains. The Dalai Lama itself gave it the name "Europe's Heart Chakra”.

During the ca. 45 minutes long tour you will learn more about the exploration history and the general formation of the caves.

Arrival at the ice cave on the Untersberg

If you prefer taking the cable car up the Untersberg, take the Untersbergbahn from St. Leonhard. From the mountain station you will reach the ice cave via the Untersberg massif in about 1-2 hours, depending on stamina and hiking experience.