"The ice cave was unreal – like another world. Good that the chauffeur advised warm clothing. The castle in the afternoon was the perfect contrast."
Day tour · 6–8 hours
42 kilometres of ice inside the mountain and a 900-year-old castle on the rock – both in one day, both at Werfen.
A private day tour from Salzburg: the Eisriesenwelt, the world's largest ice cave, high above the Salzach valley – combined with the imposing medieval Hohenwerfen Castle and its famous birds-of-prey show.
- Largest ice cave
- Castle since 1077
- 6–8 hours
- Up to 7 guests
Why Werfen
Two of the most spectacular sights in the Salzburg region face each other directly – separated only by the Salzach valley.
Werfen lies about 40 kilometres south of Salzburg in the Salzach valley, roughly 45 minutes' drive away. The town is home to two superlatives: above it, in the Tennengebirge, sits the Eisriesenwelt, the world's largest ice cave, and on a rocky cone above that, Hohenwerfen Castle.
The Eisriesenwelt extends more than 42 kilometres into the mountain – the icy section open to visitors covers about one kilometre. Getting there is an adventure in itself: first a drive to the mountain station, then one of Austria's steepest cable cars, finally a short walk to the cave entrance at 1,641 metres. Inside, a guided tour with carbide lamps leads through impressive ice formations, ice palaces and frozen waterfalls.
Important: the cave stays constantly around freezing, and the circuit involves about 700 steps. Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are essential. For conservation reasons, photography inside is not permitted – a rare experience you truly take away only with your eyes.
Opposite, clearly visible from the valley, stands Hohenwerfen Castle, first recorded in 1077. It served as a fortress, residence and prison and is today famous for its birds-of-prey show: eagles, falcons and vultures perform historic falconry displays against the mountain backdrop. Film fans know the castle from "Where Eagles Dare" and "The Sound of Music".
The two attractions combine well in a day – usually the ice cave on the cooler morning, the castle with its flight show in the afternoon. We coordinate the timing with the flight displays and cave tours so nothing involves waiting.
Day plan
Ice in the mountain, eagles over the castle
- 01
Drive to Werfen
45 min
A short drive from Salzburg through the Salzach valley, with a first view of Hohenwerfen Castle.
- 02
Ascent & cable car
45 min
Drive to the mountain station, then one of Austria's steepest cable cars to the cave entrance at 1,641 m.
- 03
Eisriesenwelt – cave tour
75 min
A guided tour with carbide lamps through ice palaces and frozen waterfalls. About 700 steps, constantly around 0 degrees.
- 04
Lunch in Werfen
45 min
A stop in the valley before the castle – time to warm up after the ice cave.
- 05
Hohenwerfen Castle & falconry show
120 min
The 1077 medieval castle with flight displays of eagles, falcons and vultures against the mountains.
- 06
Return to Salzburg
45 min
A relaxed return through the Salzach valley.
Private Werfen tour · individually planned
Your personal Eisriesenwelt offer within 60 minutes
Tell us your pickup time, party size and whether you'd like the ice cave, the castle or both — we coordinate the cave tour and flight show timing and send a transparent flat-rate offer. Private, flexible, multilingual chauffeur.
What most guidebooks skip
"Ice cave in the morning, castle in the afternoon – and pack gloves, even in July."
M
Markus T.
Chauffeur-guide · Tennengau
The order makes the day. The ice cave is more pleasant in the morning – a cooler ascent, clear views, and you're up there before the larger groups. The castle with its falconry show fits the afternoon perfectly, because the main flight display is usually around 3 p.m.
Don't underestimate the cold: the Eisriesenwelt is around freezing all year. I've seen guests in sandals and T-shirts who wanted to turn back after ten minutes. Long trousers, a jacket, gloves and sturdy shoes – even in high summer. We have blankets in the car, but inside the cave you need your own clothing.
And a note on fitness: the roughly 700 steps in the cave are no stroll. For very young children or guests with limited mobility, the castle alone is the better choice – it too makes a full, impressive day.
Included in the private tour
What we bring
Mercedes vehicle all day
Standby time, fuel and parking included.
Chauffeur as guide
Trained speaker in DE, EN, IT.
Tickets & timing arranged
Cave tour and flight show coordinated.
Blankets on board
To warm up after the ice cave.
Water & snacks
Refreshments on board.
Wi-Fi & USB-C
Mobile Wi-Fi and charging cables on board.
Werfen guests
What our guests experienced
"The falconry show blew our kids away. Everything was perfectly timed, no queueing."
"Two completely different worlds in one day. Very well organised and a very knowledgeable chauffeur."
Werfen FAQ
What to know before the tour
Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp – we typically reply within minutes.
WhatsAppHow warmly should I dress?+
Very warmly – the Eisriesenwelt is around freezing all year. Long trousers, a jacket, gloves and sturdy shoes are essential, even in summer.
How strenuous is the cave tour?+
The circuit involves about 700 steps and takes around 75 minutes. Average basic fitness is required. If that's not for you, visit the castle alone.
Is the ice cave open year-round?+
No – the Eisriesenwelt is open roughly from May to October. In winter the tour focuses on Hohenwerfen Castle.
Can I take photos in the cave?+
For conservation reasons, photography inside the ice cave is not permitted. At the castle and the viewpoints you may of course take photos.
Is the tour suitable for children?+
The castle with its falconry show is ideal for families. We recommend the ice cave from around age 6 due to the steps and cold. Child seats are free.
What does the tour cost?+
We price every tour individually by vehicle, duration and chosen stops. Send us an inquiry – you receive a transparent flat-rate offer within 60 minutes.
Werfen day tour