The Eisriesenwelt is a natural limestone ice cave located in Austria, about 40 km south of Salzburg. It is the largest ice cave in the world, extending more than 42 km of tunnels and chambers. Only the first kilometer, the area that tourists are allowed to visit, is covered in ice. The rest of the cave is made of limestone. Entry to the caves is regulated and a 75-minute tour takes in several immense caverns containing elaborate ice formations and frozen waterfalls.

Eisriesenwelt Cave was created by the Salzach River as it flowed through the mountain eroding into the mountain creating passageways. Smooth walls, stalactites, stalagmites, domes, frozen waterfalls, and other ice formations have shaped a crystalline world that deserves a 5-star rating on any list of natural tourist attractions. 

The cave is open to tourists from May 1st until October 26th every year. The guided 75-minute tours start at 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in July and August). Temperatures inside the cave are usually averaging 0° C or below and don’t make the mistake of wearing a t-shirt and shorts or a sundress. Instead, wear long trousers and bring a jacket or warm sweater. Photography is not permitted once visitors are inside the cave.