Eiskogelhöhle

The Eiskogelhöhle is a cave system in the Tennengebirge mountains near Werfenweng in Salzburg. Its main entrances are known as the Eduard-Richter-Eishöhlen. The cave lies within the Eiskogel, a peak in this range. The area is part of the limestone Alps, where water has carved out extensive underground networks over centuries. The cave’s name reflects the ice formations that once lined its passages. Eduard Richter first discovered the cave in 1877 while climbing the Eiskogel’s south face. The Salzburger Höhlenverein explored the western section in 1924 but later attempts failed. In 1942 Gustave Abel found the eastern entrance near the Tauernscharte, allowing fuller exploration. The combined system was mapped and placed under protection in 1947. The Landesverein für Höhlenkunde in Salzburg took over management in 1949 and began guided tours from the Söldenhütte. Visitors reach the cave on foot in about two hours from the Söldenhütte. The route passes through alpine terrain before entering the protected zone. Inside, guides lead small groups through passages that reveal ice formations and rock features. The cave remains open only for organised tours to preserve its fragile environment. The surrounding Tennengebirge offers dramatic limestone scenery and high-altitude views.