Eisriesenwelt - The World of Ice Giants

An earlier start this morning as we had planned to visit the famous ice caves, Eisriesenwelt, at Werfen. We followed the Salzach River through the Salzach Valley until we reached Werfen - dominated by the huge mountains on either side of the valley. The sun had emerged at last from behind the clouds that had been hiding it for the past few days. The scenery, it goes without saying, was stunning again. 

Approaching Werfen we were struck by the view of the dominating castle, Burg Hohenwerfen, which featured in the opening scenes of the movie, “The Sound of Music”. (“The hills are alive with the the sound of music.”)  Hohenwerfen fortress, built on a rocky outcrop, dates back to the 11th century. 

The visit to the Eisriesenwelt (Giant Ice World) was the highlight of the day. Eisriesenwelt is one of the world’s largest cave systems. It has dramatic ice formations and superb ice galleries. Some 42 km  have been explored so far, but our tour only took us in 1 km - BUT,  700 stairs later we had arrived at the furthest and highest point of the tour. 

The temperature in the caves was zero degrees, so we had to virtually put on all the warm clothes we had,  to prepare for the drop in temperature. Also, our tour was going to last 75 minutes, and there was no turning back!

Before we tackled the 700 steps (some near vertical stairs in some parts) - the equivalent of  a high rise building - we had  two,  thirty minute up-hill walks, and a cable car ride, before we reached the entrance of the cave. No pain, no gain! The ascent to the cave entrance was stunningly breathtaking (and, breathless!). 

The caves have been a tourist attraction for the past 100 years, but then it was a two day venture  - no cable car, or steps, as we are provided today. In entering the cave you are hit with a gale force wind,  with the cold air that had settled in the lower part of the cave was attempting to rush out down the valley. In winter, we were told, the reverse happens - all about temperature difference between the inside of the cave and the outside. 

We were led through the cave by a guide who explained the history of the cave and pointing out major ice formations as we went.  The frozen waterfalls, glaciers, stalactites and ice curtains are part of what is on display. There was no artificial lighting - we all carried a tradition miners lantern. The stunning ice formations are forever changing due to climatic events on the outside. By the time we had reached our 700 steps,now at a height of 1700 metres,, it was then downhill for another 700 steps! Regardless of the step challenge, it was an extremely worthwhile detour. 

Our trip down the mountain was much less exhausting than the earlier climb. We felt a little snug as we passed visitors on their way up - we knew what was in store for them! Some wonderful views of the village and the Burg were gained on the way down. 

After lunch we were back on the road and headed for a restful stopover at Pürgg, a small village sitting under a mountain prone to avalanches - the swimming pool and the tennis court have been closed because of the possible danger. It hasn’t stopped one hardy chap who is in the process of building his house right next to a large boulder that fell from the mountain 200 years ago.!

We were well away from the damaged area!