The Eisriesenwelt is the largest ice cave in the world, extending over 42 km, located in Werfen, Austria.
The Salzach River, which flows through the mountain, was responsible for the formation of this cave. In Austrian folklore, this cave was said to be “the entrance to Hell.”
Around 200,000 people visit the cave annually. Anton Posselt discovered it in 1879. In 1912, several expeditions led by Alexander von Mork explored the remaining part of the cave.
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Eisriesenwelt facts for Kids
- The Eisriesenwelt cave is 42 km long
- The caves were formed by the Salzach river
- The cave was discovered by Anton Posselt in 1879
- Even in summer, the cave remains below freezing.
- Ice covers only 1 kilometer of the cave. The rest is limestone.
Geology
The Tennengebirge mountains were formed during the last glaciation and were covered with ice. The cave is located at the rim of the plateau.
The ice formations in the caves were formed by the Salzach river eroding passageways into the mountain.
History
The first official report of Eisriesenwelt was published in 1879 by Anton Posselt.
Alexander von Mörk, a speleologist from Salzburg, discovered the caves and traveled into them several times. In 1920, the first routes up the mountain and the Forscherhütte were built.
In 1955, the Austrian Forest Commission built a cable car for the cave.
Visiting
Visitors are allowed to enter the cave from May 1 to October 26 every year.
The tour begins at the entrance of Posselt Cave and goes through Posselt Hall and Posselt Tower, and ends at Hymir’s Castle.
In the Ice Palace, the final stop on the tour, visitors can see the final resting place of Alexander von Mörk’s ashes.
Warm clothes are recommended because of the temperature inside the cave.
Where is Eisriesenwelt Cave Located
Located in Werfen, Austria, about 40 km south of Salzburg, the Eisriesenwelt is a natural limestone and ice cave. It’s the largest ice cave in the world.
