Discover the mystical Schellenberg ice cave on the Untersberg
Nestled 1570 metres above sea level on the majestic Untersberg mountain, the Schellenberg Ice Cave invites you on an impressive journey into the heart of the ice. The best time to visit is early in the season, just after the cave reopens, to experience its icy splendour at its peak. Whether you start from the valley or set off on a scenic hike from the cable car mountain station, the route to the cave is an adventure in itself. The earlier in spring you visit the cave, the more spectacular the ice formations you will find in the Schellenberg Ice Cave.
Get ready for a 45-minute guided tour (duration may vary depending on the season) through this frozen wonderland. Before descending into the cave, visitors are equipped with traditional carbide lamps that cast a warm light and beautifully illuminate the icy interior. Warm clothing is a must as temperatures in the cave often drop below zero, making warm clothing essential even in summer!
For detailed information on tour schedules and bookings, please visit the website of the municipality of Marktschellenberg or the official website of the Toni Lenz Hütte.
How to reach the ice cave:
Located between the village of Marktschellenberg and the Austrian border along the B 305, a small, free car park marks the starting point of your hike to the ice cave. From here, near the historic border tower, a well-marked path leads through dense forests up to the tree line and offers breathtaking views of the Untersberg and the Toni Lenz hut (1450m). From the hut, it is only a short walk to the cave entrance.
Explore the Untersberg plateau:
For those looking for a high mountain adventure, the ice cave can be reached via a 2-hour hike from the Untersberg cable car mountain station. The trail winds its way through the high alpine karst plateau, past the unique Thomas Eder Trail, and leads down to the entrance of the Schellenberg Ice Cave.
Return routes and further hikes:
After your cave expedition, you can return via the Thomas Eder Trail, which leads dramatically with four tunnels through the rock face to the Mittagsscharte. From there, you can opt for a hike towards the Salzburger Hochthron (1853m) or return to the cable car station, or you can hike to the Störhaus (3-hour hike).
Inside the ice cave:
The Schellenberg Ice Cave, Germany’s largest, is a spectacle with an estimated 60,000m³ of ice. The guided path leads you through 30m-thick layers of ice into deeper ice halls, which are adorned with unique ice formations such as ‘ice almonds’, ice flags and icefalls. The tour, illuminated by the soft glow of carbide lamps carried by visitors, offers fascinating insights into the icy depths and takes around 40 minutes.
Remember, the warmth of your clothing is just as important as the journey itself. Don’t be fooled by the summer air; it’s winter in the cave. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience in the Schellenberg Ice Cave on the Untersberg, where nature’s artistry in ice awaits you.
More detailed information about meeting points and guided tours is available from the municipality of Marktschellenberg and the Toni Lenzhütte.
Further information: www.eishoehle.net