These ice caves are located deep in a forest not far from Oberplanitzing. The caves are a rare natural phenomenon that can be explained by simple principles of physics: air streams down through cracks in the porphyry stone, creating a system of windpipes, becoming cooler as it descends. The heavier, cold air mass collects in a 5 meter high pool in the depression. This climate is ideal for plants that would normally thrive in higher alpine regions.

 

Tip: Take the hiking trail from Oberplanitzing - Eislöcher, Nr. 15, walking time approx. 1.5 hours