Werfen Ice Cave & Hohenwerfen Castle Tour from Salzburg

Overview

Forty minutes south of Salzburg, the Salzach valley narrows between the Tennengebirge and the Hagengebirge, and two of Austria's great sights face each other across it: the Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world, and Hohenwerfen Castle with its falconry show. This private day trip from Salzburg takes you to both in one day, with your own driver-guide, hotel pickup and no timetable to chase. €1,050 per private vehicle for up to 6 guests, about 8 hours. Cave-only 6-hour day: €850.

Hohenwerfen fortress and the Werfen ice cave in one day

Yes, both fit comfortably. The cave takes the morning: a short drive up from the village, the cable car, a twenty-minute walk to the entrance at 1,641 metres, and about seventy minutes inside. The castle takes the afternoon: the walk or lift up to the fortress, the guided tour of the rooms and the dungeon, and the falconry show in the courtyard. Between them, lunch in Werfen. On a private tour the order can flip to match the show times and the weather.

The Eisriesenwelt ice cave

Discovered in 1879 and opened to visitors in the 1920s, the Eisriesenwelt runs some 42 kilometres into the Hochkogel; the first kilometre is shown, and it is the part filled with ice. Inside, carbide lamps light frozen waterfalls, ice palaces and formations that have grown in layers over centuries and change every year. It is around 0 °C inside even in August, and the guided route climbs and descends about 700 steps. Open from May to late October; the cave is closed in winter.

Hohenwerfen Castle

Founded in 1077 by the Archbishop of Salzburg and rebuilt after every siege and fire since, Hohenwerfen sits on its rock 150 metres above the river. The tour covers the chapel, the bell tower, the armoury and the prison; the courtyard hosts the Salzburg falconry centre, where eagles, falcons and vultures fly over the audience against the mountain backdrop. Film buffs know the castle from "Where Eagles Dare" (1968). Open from spring to early November.

How the day runs

• 8:30 to 9:00: pickup at your Salzburg hotel; the drive south along the Salzach valley.
• Morning: the ice cave: cable car, the walk to the entrance with the valley opening below you, the guided cave tour.
• Midday: lunch in Werfen or at the castle tavern.
• Afternoon: Hohenwerfen Castle: the tour of the fortress and the falconry show.
• Around 17:00: back in Salzburg via the scenic road, with photo stops on request.

Prefer a shorter day? The 6-hour cave-only version is €850 per vehicle, back in Salzburg by early afternoon. In winter, when the cave is closed, the castle, the Hallein salt mine and the Golling waterfall make an equally good day; tell us your date and we tell you what is open.

Why see it with a private guide

• Timing: cave slots, the cable car and the falconry show all run to a clock. Your guide lines them up so you never wait or miss one.
• Tickets handled: cave, cable car and castle entrance are paid on the spot; your guide takes care of the queues.
• Your pace, your stops: a private vehicle for your group only. Larger groups travel in two vehicles.
• The stories: from the cave's discovery to the 1968 film shoot, told by someone who has been up there in every season.

Before you go

Read our guide to the Werfen ice cave and our history of Hohenwerfen Castle. Building a longer trip? Combine this day with the Eagle's Nest tour or the Hallstatt tour, or let us build a tailor-made Austria itinerary.

What our travellers say

"An awe-inspiring tour! The ice caves were mesmerizing, and the Fortress of Werfen's falconry show was unforgettable. A must-see!" – Alex P.

Werfen Ice Cave and Castle Tour FAQs

How far is Werfen from Salzburg?

About 40 km south, roughly 40 minutes by car along the Salzach valley.

Can you visit the ice cave and Hohenwerfen Castle on the same day?

Yes. The cave in the morning and the castle in the afternoon is the natural order, with lunch in Werfen between them. That is exactly this tour.

How long is the tour and what does it cost?

About 8 hours with the castle: €1,050 per private vehicle for up to 6 guests, hotel pickup and your driver-guide included. The 6-hour cave-only day is €850.

Are the entrance tickets included?

No. The cave tour with cable car and the castle entrance with the falconry show are paid on the spot, by card or cash; your guide handles the queues and timings.

What should I wear?

Warm layers and a jacket even in summer: it is around freezing inside the cave. Sturdy shoes with grip for the 700 steps and the walk to the entrance. Photography is not permitted inside the cave.

Is the tour suitable for children and older guests?

Children from about six enjoy it. The cave route is a real climb, about 700 steps up and the same down in cold air, so guests with limited mobility usually choose the castle-and-valley day instead; we are happy to adapt.

When is the ice cave open?

From the start of May to late October. In winter the tour becomes the castle, the salt mine and the waterfall.

Can we cancel?

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the tour; 50% refund between 72 and 24 hours; no refund inside 24 hours. If we have to cancel for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.