Day tripsCountriesAustriaSalzburgSalzburg day trip to Hohenwerfen Fortress and Werfen Caves

Salzburg day trip to Hohenwerfen Fortress and Werfen Caves

Scenic view of Salzburg - private day trip from Salzburg - photo 1
Scenic view of Salzburg - private day trip from Salzburg - photo 2
Scenic view of Salzburg - private day trip from Salzburg - photo 3
Scenic view of Salzburg - private day trip from Salzburg - photo 4
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Private ride with a local driver

7h 45m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 2+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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About your trip

Feel the chill of Europe’s largest ice caves after stepping into a medieval stronghold! Werfen’s castle and Eisriesenwelt deliver two epic Austrian experiences. Note that the Hohenwerfen Fortress and Werfen Ice Caves are only open from May to October.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €172
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€516

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Salzburg whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

After arriving in Werfen, you can visit the fortress that overlooks the valley, before continuing on to the Eisriesenwelt, where you’ll venture into dramatic ice caverns, all at your leisure. Meanwhile, your driver will wait for you nearby, ensuring a stress-free return trip.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Hohenwerfen Fortress and Werfen Ice Caves should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €172
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€516

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Salzburg
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Hohenwerfen Fortress
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 hour - admission not included
Itinerary stop at Hohenwerfen Fortress on private day trip from Salzburg
Itinerary stop at Hohenwerfen Fortress on private day trip from Salzburg
Itinerary stop at Hohenwerfen Fortress on private day trip from Salzburg
Itinerary stop at Hohenwerfen Fortress on private day trip from Salzburg
Hohenwerfen Castle commands the Salzach Valley from its rocky perch, a 900-year-old fortress showcasing medieval military architecture. Witness thrilling falconry demonstrations with eagles soaring against Alpine peaks, explore dungeons and weapons museums, and climb battlements for breathtaking mountain panoramas. This dramatic stronghold offers an authentic medieval atmosphere in Austria's stunning Salzburg region, and was the filming location of the 1968 classic World War II action film Where Eagles Dare.
2
Werfen Ice Caves
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 5 hours - admission not included
Itinerary stop at Werfen Ice Caves on private day trip from Salzburg
Itinerary stop at Werfen Ice Caves on private day trip from Salzburg
Itinerary stop at Werfen Ice Caves on private day trip from Salzburg
Itinerary stop at Werfen Ice Caves on private day trip from Salzburg
Enter Eisriesenwelt ("World of Ice Giants"), the world's largest ice cave extending over 42 kilometers inside Hochkogel mountain in the Tennengebirge Alps, though tourists visit only the first kilometer where ice formations exist. The 75-minute guided tour features Posselt Hall with its central tower, the Great Ice Embankment rising 25 meters high, Hymir's Castle with the Ice Organ stalactites called Frigga's Veil, Alexander von Mörk Cathedral, and the Ice Palace, one kilometer in length at 400 meters underground. This destination was also a filming location for the 1968 film Where Eagles Dare.
Back to Salzburg
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Werfen is about 25 miles (40 km) south of Salzburg, roughly a 35- to 40-minute drive through the Salzach Valley. The route passes through striking Alpine scenery, making the journey itself a worthwhile part of the day.
The fortress sits on a steep rocky outcrop, and reaching it involves an uphill walk or a seasonal cable car followed by stairs and uneven terrain inside. It is not easily accessible for visitors with significant mobility limitations. The views from the base of the hill and the surrounding valley, however, are impressive on their own.
Yes. Both Hohenwerfen Fortress and the Eisriesenwelt ice caves were filming locations for the 1968 World War II action film "Where Eagles Dare," starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. The fortress stood in for the fictional Schloss Adler in the film, making it a draw for movie history fans as well as history enthusiasts.
Eisriesenwelt means "World of Ice Giants" and it is the world's largest accessible ice cave, extending over 26 miles (42 km) inside Hochkogel mountain in the Tennengebirge Alps. The guided tour covers the first kilometer, where the ice formations are found, and takes about 75 minutes. Highlights include the Great Ice Embankment, Hymir's Castle, and the dramatic Alexander von Mork Cathedral. The cave stays very cold year-round, so warm layers are essential even in summer.
Most visitors head to Hohenwerfen Fortress first, since it opens earlier in the day, then continue up the valley to the Eisriesenwelt. The ice cave requires a cable car ride and a walk to the entrance, so allow plenty of time. Your driver can help coordinate the schedule on the day based on current wait times.
Hohenwerfen is home to one of Europe's most celebrated falconry demonstrations, featuring eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey flying against the dramatic Alpine backdrop. Shows are held daily during the open season, and the combination of medieval setting and free-flying raptors makes it a highlight for visitors of all ages.
Even on the warmest summer day, the temperature inside Eisriesenwelt stays very cold. Bring a fleece or warm jacket, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with grip, and consider gloves. The path inside involves steps and uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking footwear is a must.
Both attractions are open from May through October only. They close over winter, so this day trip is a warm-weather experience. It is a good idea to check the official websites for exact opening dates and times before you go, as they can vary slightly by year.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesAustriaSalzburgSalzburg day trip to Hohenwerfen Fortress and Werfen Caves