The Majestic Ice Caves of Eisriesenwelt

• HelloServus
  [Ser-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Vee-der-sehn]
• YesJa
  [Yah]
• NoNein
  [Nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dig-oong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [Vee gayt es deer?]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oond deer?]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shpre-khen Zee Eng-lish?]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Eekh fair-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte
  [Eekh hate-eh gair-neh dee Shay-suh-kar-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Eekh ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte bezahlen
  [Eekh merk-teh bit-teh beh-tsal-en]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen Zee dee Po-lee-tsey]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen Zee ayn-en Ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [Eekh hah-beh meekh fair-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [Eekh been krahnk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [Eekh merk-teh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Eekh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [Vee feel kaws-tet dahs]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Ker-nen Zee dane prays zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ine oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (zehn)
  [Halb (tsane)]
• MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahk-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [Ines]
• 2Zwei
  [Tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [Dry]
• 4Vier
  [Feer]
• 5Fünf
  [Fuhnf]
• 6Sechs
  [Zehks]
• 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [Akh-t]
• 9Neun
  [Noy-n]
• 10Zehn
  [Tsane]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Vo ist ine/der]
• What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?
  [Vee ist dee A-dre-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Ker-nen Zee meer tsai-gen (ouf der kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kommt der nakh-steh (Boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [Ine-eh Fah-kar-teh (nakh)]

The Eisriesenwelt, translating to 'World of the Ice Giants,' was officially discovered in 1879 by natural scientist Anton von Posselt-Czorich. Located about 40 kilometers south of Salzburg in the Tennengebirge section of the Alps, this ice cave is the largest of its kind in the world. Despite the local folklore that had long hinted at its existence, Posselt's exploration brought the cave into scientific and public awareness.

The initial exploration of Eisriesenwelt was met with significant challenges due to its remote location and harsh conditions. Alexander von Mörk, an Austrian speleologist and soldier, led a series of expeditions in the early 20th century. He is credited with mapping much of the cave system, although he tragically died during World War I. His ashes were later interred in the cave as a tribute to his pioneering spirit.

In 1920, the first steps were taken to make Eisriesenwelt accessible to the public. Wooden walkways and simple ladders were installed to facilitate safer passage through the cave's icy chambers. By 1924, the first official tour was conducted, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. Over the decades, improvements have continued, including the installation of modern staircases and safety railings.

Eisriesenwelt has always held a place in local folklore, often described as a mystical entrance to the underworld. Legends speak of ice giants and spirits dwelling within its frozen halls. This cultural heritage has been preserved and shared through guided tours, which often include stories passed down through generations, enriching the visitor’s experience with a sense of historical mystique.

Apart from being a major tourist attraction, Eisriesenwelt is also a site of significant scientific interest. Researchers study the cave's unique ice formations and climate to understand past environmental conditions. Preservation efforts are ongoing to ensure that the delicate ice structures remain intact for future generations. This includes regulating the number of visitors and maintaining the cave's natural environment as much as possible.

Today, Eisriesenwelt is equipped with modern amenities to accommodate the thousands of visitors it receives annually. A cable car system, operational since 1955, significantly reduces the time and effort required to reach the entrance of the cave. The visitor center, located near the cable car station, offers educational exhibits, a restaurant, and spectacular views of the surrounding Alpine landscape.

Eisriesenwelt is located in Werfen, Austria, about 40 kilometers south of Salzburg. The nearest major airport is Salzburg Airport (W. A. Mozart Airport). From Salzburg, you can take a train to Werfen, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Once in Werfen, a shuttle bus service operates between the train station and the Eisriesenwelt visitor center during the tourist season. Alternatively, you can drive to the site, but be prepared for a winding mountain road leading up to the parking area.

Public transportation is a convenient way to reach Eisriesenwelt. Trains run regularly from Salzburg to Werfen, and shuttle buses are available from the Werfen train station to the visitor center. For those driving, parking is available at the visitor center, but it is recommended to check road conditions during winter months. Local taxis are also available, but it is advisable to book in advance during peak tourist seasons.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted at the visitor center, restaurants, and shops in the area. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially if you plan to visit local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Werfen and at the visitor center.

Eisriesenwelt and the surrounding area are generally very safe for tourists. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to remain vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night are recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Werfen. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are also first aid stations at the Eisriesenwelt visitor center where you can receive assistance for minor injuries or health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and warm clothing, as the ice cave can be very cold even in summer. Sturdy walking shoes are a must. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly if you visit nearby religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' (a common greeting in Austria). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Eisriesenwelt like a local, visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak tourist crowds. Engage with local guides, as they can provide unique insights and stories about the cave's history and significance. Don't miss the nearby Hohenwerfen Castle, which offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval times and spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.