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A turquoise je ne sais quoi enveloped in suspended icicles and majestic glaciers often carves its heart into a passage for people to witness the enchantments that nature has in store for us. These frozen caverns of wonder, with their icy roofs and narrow waterbeds, offer not only a relishing visual treat but also a sense of extreme thrill. Here, we have curated a list of 7 such magnificent ice caves that are too alluring to resist visiting.
Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier by volume, is home to a significant number of ice caves for exploration. Among them, the most popular is the Crystal Ice Cave, named for its crystal-clear ice surroundings. The ice caves in Vatnajökull Glacier are formed during the summer when meltwater flows under the glacier's surface, paving the way for these caves. During winter, as the water completely freezes, walkable passages open up for tourists. It is always advisable to explore this ice cave under the guidance of an expert.
Spanning 42 km on the Hochkogel mountain, Eisriesenwelt, also known as "The World of The Ice Giant," is the largest ice cave in the world. Featuring stately sculpted ice formations and a frozen lake, this cave offers a spectacular natural display. The recommended time to visit Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave is from May to October, contrasting with the beliefs of locals from the previous century, who thought the cave was the entrance to hell.
The entrance to this ice cave, also known as the ice hole, invites visitors to a realm of captivating ice formations and intriguing stories, such as Olympic skater Karol Divín using it as a skating rink. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list (as part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst network), it is one of Europe’s largest ice caves, stretching 1,232 m in length and 112 m in depth. The best time to visit this frozen masterpiece is from May to September.
Also known as the "Sea of Ice," Mer de Glace is one of the longest glaciers in the Alps. The ice cave, running 7 km long and 200 m deep, is France’s largest ice cave and was first carved out in 1946. Since then, it has been resculpted annually as the glacier shifts by about 70 m per year. This electrifying blue ice cave, featuring color-changing lights and opulent ice sculptures, is a must-visit destination.
Attracting over 50,000 tourists annually, the Big Four Ice Caves lie under the shade of the Big Four Ice Mountain. Formed by meltwater streaming down the mountain during summer, this cave is a popular hiking spot for locals and tourists alike. The best time to visit is during summer and fall, but tourists should exercise caution due to avalanches and frequent ice falls.
Recognized as the second-largest underground glacier in the world, Scărişoara Ice Cave is open to both visitors and researchers. With a depth of 120 m and a length of 720 m, this ice cave contains ice blocks that are over 10,000 years old. A flight of metal stairs leads to the cave's entrance, called the Great Hall, which reveals four sections: The Church, The Great Reservation, Coman Gallery, and Little Reservation. A frozen 18 m tall cliff overlooking a pool called the Pool of Ice is nestled in the Great Hall, which, along with The Church, is accessible to visitors. The remaining sections are restricted to scientific research.
This grotto runs 100 m deep into the dazzling Rhône Glacier, the source of the Rhône River. One of the most accessible and picturesque ice caves on this list, it was sculpted in 1870 and is re-sculpted annually as the glacier shifts by 30 to 40 m each year. Unlike other caves, this grotto can be toured without the assistance of a guide.
