Eisriesenwelt, Austria

The largest ice cave in the world is Eisriesenwelt also known as ‘Residence of ice giants’. It’s situated in Austria, its entrance is located on Hohkogel hillside. The depth of this amazing cave is more than 40 kilometers. About 200,000 travelers from all over the world come to admire this amazing site every year. Despite the enormous size of the cave and its promising title, only 1/40 part is completely covered with ice.

Even one kilometer ice-covered walls would be enough to make the cave a world leader in scale. Rapid flow of the Salzak River contributed to cave formation. Large ice outgrowths appeared because of melting of snow on the slopes. Ice doesn’t melt in the cave all year round, even in midsummer low temperature is kept there. Coolness is felt just at the entrance.

The discoverer of the cave was Australian naturalist Anton Posselt; he has made this unique discovery in 1879. The cave is open to visit only from early May to late October. Even in summer, visitors have to wear a winter outfit. The cave is equipped with comfortable wooden walkways and platforms from which you can admire the picturesque view over ice sculptures. Before entering the cave visitors are warned that nobody can take pictures inside, but some neat-handed tourists still manage to make some spectacular photos of this amazing place. Next - The Wave