Eisriesenwelt: World of the Ice Giants🇦🇹

We’re leaving Bled and on our way to the glistening walls of Eisreisenwelt, the world’s largest ice cave. We had to do a bit of work to reach the cave entrance; a 40 minute walk up the mountain separated by a steep ascent via cable car.  A blast of chilly air hit us as the guide opened the entrance doors and we continued into the cave.  Lit only by hand held open flame lanterns and brightly burning magnesium stick we continue our way up 700 steps to the deepest part of the cave. 

The cave was formed by the Salzach River which has eroded passages through the mountain. Every Spring the snow thaws on the mountain and drips into the crevasses of the cave. The icy wind sculpts the water into frozen waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites, and even an elephant.

The cave was initially discovered by Anton Posselt in 1879, however, he only managed to explore the beginnings of the cave system due to steep walls of ice. Prior to his discovery the cave was only know to locals who believed it was the entrance to Hell and refused to enter. In 1912, Alexander von Mörk led several expeditions further into the cave. Unfortunately he was killed in WWI and his last wish was to be interned in the cave.