The Eisriesenwelt- World’s longest Ice cave
The Eisriesenwelt
The Eisriesenwelt is a natural limestone ice cave located in the Tennengebirge section of the Austrian Alps, near Werfen in Salzburg. It is the longest ice cave in the world, with a length of over 42 kilometers, although only the first kilometer is open to the public. The Tennengebirge mountains were formed during the Tertiary period. The Massifs in the Austrian Alps is the largest karst plateau in the Salzburger Alps, and the Eisriesenwelt is located at the rim of this plateau. Eisriesenwelt Cave was formed by the Salzach river, which eroded the rock material in the form of passageways into the mountain. The ice formations in the cave were formed by thawing snow, drained into the cave, and froze during winter.
The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave is also home to unique flora and fauna, including rare arthropods that are adapted to the extreme conditions of the cave. The Eisriesenwelt can be visited during the summer months, and tours are available that take visitors through the first kilometer of the cave. The cave is not accessible during the winter due to the danger of falling ice and snow.
The Eisriesenwelt ice cave Austria
The Eisriesenwelt is a natural limestone ice cave. It is unique and contains spectacular ice formations such as ice curtains, Ice crystals, and icicles glittered like precious stones. The ice formations are constantly changing and evolving due to the movement of air and water within the cave. The Eisriesenwelt is only open to visitors during the summer months, typically from May to October. Guided tours are available that take visitors through the first kilometer of the cave, where they can see the stunning ice formations and learn about the history and geology of the cave. The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave can be reached by a cable car and a short hike, and visitors are advised to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as the temperature inside the cave is very cold and the ground can be slippery.
Hochkogel mountain
Hochkogel is a mountain located in the Austrian Alps, in the state of Salzburg. It has an elevation of 2,195 meters above sea level and is part of the Tennengebirge mountain range. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The most common starting point for hiking is the village of Werfenweng, which can be reached by car or public transportation. From there, hikers can follow several trails that lead to the summit of Hochkogel.
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One of the most popular routes is the “Hochkogel Rundweg”, a circular trail that takes hikers through alpine meadows and forests before reaching the summit. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round trip and is suitable for experienced hikers. Hochkogel is also a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The mountain features several ski runs of varying difficulty levels and offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered landscape.
How to reach The Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave
The Eisriesenwelt ice cave is located in Werfen, in the Austrian state of Salzburg. The cave is located about 40 km south of Salzburg, and it can be reached by car via the A10 motorway. The nearest train station to the Eisriesenwelt is in Werfen, and it is served by local and regional trains. From the train station, you can take a bus or a taxi to the cave. There are also tour operators that offer guided tours that include transportation from Salzburg.