Top 12 Caves in the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung
Best caves in the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung offers a variety of underground experiences, from rock crevices to natural caves and unique rock formations. This region, part of the broader Salzburg area, features diverse landscapes including mountains and lakes. While not home to the world's largest ice caves, the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung provides numerous opportunities for exploring natural underground spaces. The area is characterized by its alpine environment, offering both challenging and intermediate routes for adventurers.
Best caves in the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung
- The…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Falkenstein Chapel
Highlight • Religious Site
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Mittagsscharte
Highlight • Mountain Pass
location
It is located between the Salzburg Hochthron (1 853 m above sea level) in the north and the Raucheck (1 …
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Thomas-Eder Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Schellenberger Ice Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Grassl Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Rock crevices at Plombergstein
Highlight • Gorge
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Steinerner Kaser Cave
Highlight • Cave
The legend surrounding the Mittagsscharte refers to a time portal (cave portal) …
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Adlerhöhle (Eagle Cave)
Highlight • Cave
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Kolowrat Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Trockene Klamm
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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Tips from the Community
Source: The Salzburg Legend Book - Josef Brettenthaler, Matthias Laireiter - Verlag der Salzburger Druckerei, 1976, p. 73 The legend surrounding the Mittagsscharte refers to a time portal (cave portal) that is said to open there every few years on the Assumption of Mary (August 15th). In fact, there is a cave called the Steinerner Kaser in the middle of the Mittagsscharte, where a light phenomenon can be observed at 2 p.m. on August 15th and June 21st. A so-called day vent illuminates the cave at midday. This light spectacle becomes even more impressive when the sun and clouds alternate, and you can experience a pulsing sensation inside the cave. Unfortunately, we were only there on June 28th and were unable to witness this spectacle.
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Good footwear Take enough to drink with you Sure-footedness required
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The entrance to the Eagle Cave is very difficult to find and you have to crawl in on all fours. I have met a few people in front of the cave who didn't think they could do it. The view from the wall of the cave over the Eisenau, the Attersee and the Höllengebirge is fantastic, but no different than directly from the Schafberg. The cave itself is what makes the experience special.
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Fantastic view over the Salzkammergut!
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It is located between the Salzburger Hochthron (1,853 m above sea level) in the north and the Raucheck (1,891 m above sea level) in the south at an altitude of 1,671 m above sea level. A. right on the border between Austria and Germany. Crossing the Untersberg from the Berchtesgadener to the Salzburger Hochthron is one of the most beautiful tours in the Berchtesgaden Alps. The varied path leads over the extensive high plateau with its huge sinkholes - an extraordinary landscape that is second to none.
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I was most looking forward to the Thomas-Eder-Steig for our Berchtesgaden vacation. We took the mountain railway up and since we were too late we walked down to Marktschellenberg. The last train leaves at 5 p.m.!! The times given didn't work out for us with the kids, even though we didn't take any big breaks or detours and they went really well. In June we still went over small fields of snow and up to the trail the path was already complete with beautiful scrambling passages. Thanks to the great path, the climb was no longer THE highlight, but "only" one more. The idea of putting steps in there was as crazy as it was ingenious, the path is really fun. Since it would have taken us almost 3 hours to get back from the Toni-Lenz hut, we decided to go down. 1400 m down the knees are not exactly happy, but it was the right decision and not boring either.
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The cave is definitely worth visiting. A really beautiful place with a little snow inside. Although, way there can be a little dangerous. As of June 26, 2022 some via ferrata parts are broken or poorly anchored. Be very careful while getting there.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there large ice caves like Eisriesenwelt directly in Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung?
While the broader Salzburg region is famous for spectacular ice caves, there are no prominent natural show caves like Eisriesenwelt or Dachstein Giant Ice Cave located directly within Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung. Eisriesenwelt is approximately 40 km south of Salzburg in the Tennengebirge, and Dachstein Giant Ice Cave is in Upper Austria. Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung offers a variety of natural caves, rock crevices, and unique rock shelters.
What types of caves can I explore in Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung?
Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung features diverse underground spaces, including natural caves, rock crevices, and unique rock shelters. You can find formations like those at Rock crevices at Plombergstein, which form small caves and narrow passages, or the 'bear cave' near Lidaun Summit Cross.
Are there any family-friendly cave explorations in the region?
Yes, some areas are suitable for families. The Rock crevices at Plombergstein are particularly exciting to explore with children, offering small caves and narrow passages. However, they are not suitable for prams. The 'bear cave' on the way to Lidaun Summit Cross also offers a brief, accessible cave experience.
What is the Falkenstein Chapel and its connection to caves?
The Falkenstein Chapel is a unique religious building built directly into the rock, functioning as both a chapel and a cave. It's located behind Wolfgangsee and offers a place for reflection and cooling off, especially after the steep ascent from the lake shore. Visitors often ring the 'wish bell' there.
Can I find challenging caving routes in Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung?
Yes, the region offers challenging options for experienced adventurers. Highlights like Adlerhöhle (Eagle Cave) and Trockene Klamm are categorized as challenging. The Trockene Klamm, a dry gorge, features impressive caves and is also popular for bouldering.
What is the 'Steinerner Kaser' cave and its significance?
The 'Steinerner Kaser' cave is located at the Mittagsscharte, a ridge in the Untersberggebirge. It's known for a unique light phenomenon that can be observed at 2 PM on August 15th and June 21st. Local legends suggest it's an entrance to the interior of the mountain.
Are there any caves near Lake Fuschl or Wolfgangsee?
Yes, the Falkenstein Chapel is situated near Wolfgangsee. For Lake Fuschl, the route to Lidaun Summit Cross offers nice views of the lake during the ascent and includes a small 'bear cave' to explore.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the caves?
The region around the caves offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy hikes like the Gaisberger circular hiking trail or more challenging routes to summits. For more details on hiking, visit the Hiking in the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung guide. There are also running trails available; check out the Running Trails in the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung guide.
What should I wear when exploring caves in Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung?
Even in summer, temperatures inside caves can be cool. It's advisable to wear layers of clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain. For more challenging routes or explorations, appropriate gear like headlamps might be necessary.
What is the Grassl Cave?
The Grassl Cave is another natural cave highlight in the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung, offering an intermediate level of exploration for visitors interested in natural underground formations.
Are there any 'hidden' or less-known caves to discover?
While many caves are well-documented, the region's diverse geology means there are numerous rock crevices and smaller natural caves. Exploring areas like the Trockene Klamm can lead to discovering impressive, less-trafficked underground formations and rock labyrinths.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves in Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung?
Visitors appreciate the unique natural formations, the opportunity for exploration, and the sense of adventure. Highlights like Rock crevices at Plombergstein are loved for being exciting to explore, especially with children. The Falkenstein Chapel is valued for its reflective atmosphere and cooling effect after a hike.
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Most popular attractions in the Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung
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