The world's biggest ice cave is located in northern Austria. Sophisticated sculptures created by nature, passes and halls of Eisriesenwelt attract thousands of tourists annually.
However, this place became popular only in the middle of the previous century. The first researcher managed to conquer only 200 meters of its ice passes. Having returned from the expedition, he published an article in which he informed people about his discovery. However, his publication did not attract attention. Only after 50 years scientists got interested in the cave and started exploring it actively.
By 1920, the natural phenomenon had become famous among scientists all over the world. At the same time, the first tours started. The research camp and primitive mountain climbing facilities contributed a lot to this. Till 1924 tourists had moved inside the cave with the help of common wooden boards. Then there were made special paths. In 1953, a cableway and a safe lift were installed there.
Eisriesenwelt is called an ice cave maze. Its overall length is 43 kilometers. For many centuries, nature has been working on its creation. Around a million years ago, at the time of tectonic shifts, gaps in the mountains started to form. After thousands of years, the water turned them into huge cavities. Then the difference in winter and summer temperatures made the secret rooms in the mountains get covered with ice.
Nowadays, more than two thousand tourists visit the ice cave every day. You can get there by two means: either on foot, enjoying the Alpine views, making unique photos on your way, or by a modern cableway, sitting in a spacious cabin.
Entering the cave without a guide is prohibited. All guests are given carabiner lights, and all the ice sculptures are illuminated. A pleasant bonus will be an amazing view of the mountains; you will see it after getting out of the cave.