Eisriesenwelt

Lore & Background

The Eisriesenwelt was formed by water from the Salzach river system, which eroded passageways into the mountain. The ice formations were created by thawing snow that drained into the cave and froze during winter. Since the entrance is open year-round, chilly winter winds blow into the cave and freeze the snow inside; in summer, a cold wind from inside blows toward the entrance and prevents the formations from melting. The cave is inside the Hochkogel mountain in the Tennengebirge section of the Alps, a karst plateau formed during the late Tertiary period and the Würm glaciation of the Pleistocene. Before his discovery, locals believed it was an entrance to Hell and refused to explore it.

Reader's Guide

Its geological formation, shaped by the Salzach river and glacial processes, offers a unique natural spectacle. The cave's history reflects a shift from local superstition—where it was feared as an entrance to Hell—to scientific exploration and tourism. The tourist-accessible area covers only the first kilometer, which is ice-covered, while the remaining 41 km are limestone. The tour includes notable features such as Posselt Hall, Hymir's Castle, and the Alexander von Mörk Cathedral, where von Mörk's ashes rest. The cave's legacy lies in its blend of natural wonder, historical exploration, and ongoing public fascination, preserved through careful management and seasonal operation from May to October.

Did You Know?

• The cave extends about 42 km, but only the first kilometer is covered in ice.
• An urn containing the ashes of explorer Alexander von Mörk is inside a niche in the cave.