Salzburg day trip to Hohenwerfen Fortress and Werfen Ice Caves

Hohenwerfen castle featured in the classic Hollywood movie Where Eagles Dare starring Clint Eastwood and still enthralls today’s visitors as much as it did the original movie goers. Just a short drive away from Salzburg, the castle can be reached on foot or by funicular — unfortunately the cable car featured in the movie is no longer there, although this doesn’t detract from the experience in any way at all. The well-preserved ancient fortress with its high walls is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Alps and the views of the surrounding valley create a sense of wonder as you make your way through the courtyard. The icing on the cake for this stop over is the famous bird of prey show, where the eagles really do dare — all five of them as they swoop down from high above this legendary fortress to be joined by owls, hawks and vultures in a spectacular flying show that is not to be missed.

The Werfen Ice Caves weren't officially discovered until 1879. They'd been known about by the local townsfolk for centuries, but they had kept the caves secret, believing them to be the entrance to hell, and refusing to explore them. The 42 kilometer long labyrinth of tunnels showcases the natural beauty of ice in an eternally freezing subterranean environment. Inside you'll find towering stalagmites, and massive formations like the 25 meter Great Ice Embankment. A tour of the caves culminates in the largest cavern, referred to as the Ice Palace, which is 400 metres underground and accessed through a remarkable ice tunnel! At 40 stories and over 1000 steps, not including the cliff-side hike to the entrance, the caves require a decent level of physical fitness. The cave is open to the public from May to October and warm clothing is needed.