2 minute read
nAturAL wonders
Wonder World
Wonder World
World of Ice Giants
So far 45km of this dramatic ice cave system just south of Salzburg has been explored, revealing stunning galleries and weird ice formations. You wander through narrow passageways burrowing deep into the heart of a glacier. A magical experience. But remember, this is a frozen wonderland and even if it is blazing hot outside it will be distinctly chilly once inside – wear warm clothes!
■ Including cable car it costs €19 adults, €9.50 children
(6-15). open may to November, the last guided tour, which takes 75 minutes, leaves at 15.30. Contact: +43 (0) 6468 5248, www.eisriesenwelt.at
Liechtenstein Gorge
You can’t help but feel you have been transported to Middle Earth in Lord of The Rings as you explore one of the deepest and longest gorges in the Alps. The chasm, 4km from St Johann im Pongau, was gouged out during the last Ice Age and during the 19th century Johann 11, Prince of Liechtenstein, spent a small fortune building the paths and walkways which now make it accessible. Rainbows dance around the trail as it weaves through the 300m slate cliffs – late afternoon is the most spectacular, with the sunlight glowing a strange opal blue.
■ entrance is €3.50 for adults and €2.20 for children (6-15), free with the Salzburgerland card (see page 37)
8am to 6pm, april to october. contact: +43 (0) 6412 6036, www.liechtensteinklamm.at, www.sanktjohann.com
Grossglockner Road
POssibLy The most impressive drive in Europe, the 48km highway is not only an engineering marvel, but threads through jaw-dropping scenery. ■ Open during daylight hours from April to October, the
toll per car is €28, motorbikes €18. Contact: +43 (0) 6546 650, www.grossglockner.at
Krimml Waterfalls
The biggesT waterfall in Europe (and fifth largest on the planet) is also one of the most stunning sights in Austria. Tucked into the northwestern fringes of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the falls cascade down from about 3,000m in three giant leaps, with a total drop of 380m. There is a wonderful walk that reveals all their glory and takes an afternoon to complete – the higher you go, the thinner the crowds. Nearby is the Wonder World of Water theme park with loads of hand-on activities.
■ Walk: €2.50 for adults and children (6-15) €0.50. Free with the salzburgerLand Card (see page 37). Open from
mid April to November. Contact: +43 (0) 6564 7212, www.wasserfaelle-krimml.at Theme park: Adults €7, children €3.50
Alpine Reservoirs, Kaprun
FROM THE village of Kaprun a bus takes you to the start of the Lärchwand elevator, Europe’s longest diagonal outdoor funicular, which heads up to 1,640m through some of the world’s most stunning scenery. At the top you can catch another bus around both the Wasserfallboden reservoir and the Mooserboden reservoir. Guided tours are available around the impressive hydropower unit and dams started during the Second World War and completed as part of the Marshall Plan. There is a good educational visitors’ centre.
■ Day trips to the reservoirs are among the most popular
