WERFEN ICE CAVES OR HOHENWERFEN FORTRESS TOUR

Tour Start 08:30 am
Duration 05 hours (approx.)

On this tour clients can decide which of the 2 sights they would like to visit.:

Hohenwerfen Fortress
In the south of Salzburg, high above the valley of the Salzach River, the majestic fortress Hohenwerfen (dating back to the 11th century) will provide you the great view far into the valley which in olden days gave it the status of a strategic bulwark. Because of its beauty and the extraordinary location this fortress was used as a set for many movies (f.e. Where Eagles Dare). Used as a prison for many centuries with famous captives, it also harboured a training camp for the Austrian Police (until 1987). Today it houses weapons, various special exhibitions, the first Austrian Falconry Museum (a historic Falconry Center with daily flight demonstrations), and, of course, a tavern.

Icecaves
Officially discovered in 1879 (the first two hundred meters) the main explorations from 1920 on revealed a cave system over 40 km in length, which soon attracted the first tourists. At present the grandeur of Eisriesenwelt is one of the top destinations for sightseeing in Salzburg country. With its huge halls, narrow accesses, icy sculptures of gigantic size, small ice curtains, corridors, crevices and light effects; the ice caves are unique in all respects.

As the temperature almost the whole year is below freezing, proper shoes, including warm clothes and gloves are necessary. Please also notice that within the ice caves you have to go up and down 134 m. Of course, the tour guides are considerate of tour members and reasonable pace. The experience of this miracle of nature will reward the effort; however, persons with serious walking difficulties or heart-circulation-problems are asked not to enter the caves. It is also not suitable for children under approx. 4 years.