I am wondering if the Werfen ice caves are worth a day trip from Salzburg, Austria? Rick doesn't mention them, which makes me nervous. But they look really cool! Has anyone tried this and is it worth the time? We have about 2 weeks in Europe (July-ish) and plan to do Munich (2-3 days), Fussen (2 days), Gimmelwald (3 days), Salzburg for 2 days (maybe only if we do the ice caves-otherwise might skip that leg), Vienna (2 days), and 1 day doing the Melk-Krems bike path he recommends. Then training back to Munich. With our tentative itinerary in mind, what do you think about the ice caves? Worth it? If not, maybe more time in Vienna or in a quaint bed and breakfast?
Thanks for your help and suggestions! We are still in the planning stages!
Posted by
Fox Island, USA
88 posts
I don't know anythiing about the ice caves but Salzburg is a beautiful town well worth visiting!
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
712 posts
Was there years ago and enjoyed it. Check out this website - http://www.travel-wonders.com/2010/04/eisriesenwelt-ice-caves-werfen-austria.html
Posted by
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
1 posts
We went to Austria for our Honeymoon in August 2010. We stayed about 5 days in Werfen. We used it as a jumping off point to see the countryside and Salzburg, a bit more relaxing staying in the country. We loved the ice caves. We recommend taking the bus up to where you buy the tickets, then walking.
We stayed in a bed and breakfast organic farm in Werfen (Rettenbachgut) and found it very relaxing and beautiful. We took a day trip to St. Johan, the liechtensteinklamm gorge with waterfall (a 3 mile each way walk after train to st. johann from Werfen. If you get a chance to visit, the Zotter chocolate factory outside of the Gratz area, I would really recommend it. It was another highlight of the trip. $10 and a days worth of chocolate sampling! Hope you have a great trip! Make sure to try out the Pumpkin oil. Have fun!
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
712 posts
If you do go to Werfen - Please read this web site too. Reading comments to this website it confirmed the castle (Burg Hohenwerfen) was the youth hostel I stayed in the 1970's. It is no longer a youth hostel, but has tours and a falconry exhibit and show. The surrounding countryside is breathtaking. The castle was used in the movie "When Eagles Dare". It was also in the background scenery in the "Sound of Music" during the song "Do, Re, Mi" -http://www.whereeaglesdare.com/library/index.php?page=articles&id=5
Posted by
charlottesville, va
46 posts
There are ice caves in Obertraun also. This is a five minute ride from Hallstatt.
Posted by
Daytona Beach, FL
220 posts
I visited Eisriesenwelt in 1979 (OMG, I'm old). I really enjoyed the experience and would do it again.