Salzburg Ice Caves and Castle Hohenwerfen

The Giant Ice Caves - Marvels of Nature

Video The imposing mouth of the caverns can be recognised even from afar; it is 20m wide and 18 m high.

The entire cave network extends over a total distance of approx. 42 km, of which, however, only approx. 1 km is covered by ice.

This latter section forms that part of the caves on display which visitors can access by taking part in guided tours.

Inside the caverns, the average temperature in summer is approx. 0°C, so warm clothing is most highly recommended for the tours, which last roughly an hour.

To make the most of this tour it is essential to wear warm clothing, sturdy footwear and have a certain amount of fitness for the walk up to the caves and the journey through the fascinating dream-like world inside them.

Hohenwerfen Castle - Castle of Adventure

Video Hohenwerfen Castle towers above the Salzach Valley as a strategic bulwark built atop a 155 meter rock.

The castle is majestically surrounded by the mighty Tennengau and Hagen mountain ranges.

The fortification is a "sister" of Hohensalzburg Fortress and also dates back to the 11th century.

Hohenwerfen served as a prison for many centuries. Rulers such as Archbishop Adalbert III (1198), Graf Albert von Friesach (1253), the Styrian governor Siegmund (1525) and Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1611) were held captive here.

Hohenwerfen Castle became widely known for providing the backdrop for the film "Where Eagles Dare". Today the castle is used as an "Adventure Castle" featuring a variety of events such as concerts, theatre performances and folklore evenings as well as castle celebrations.

The historic Falconry Centre is a special attraction, offering daily flight demonstrations by various birds of prey.