A mountain experience of the special kind is the Obstans Ice Cave, located near the eponymous lake.
The Obstans Ice Cave (Obstanser Eishöhle) in the Hochpustertal valley, located between the Lienz Dolomites and the Carnic Alps, can be reached from the mountaineering village of Kartitsch. First the trail takes you via the Prince Heinrich Trail and along the Obstans Waterfall up to the Prince Heinrich Chapel at 1,957 m a.s.l. Then it proceeds to Lake Obstans and its mountain hut (2,304 m a.s.l.) along the Carnic High Route. The last part to the cave is marked and secured by ropes.
At this point, an 800 metres long cave opens up, which has only partially been researched and opened up. Parts of the Obstans Ice Cave can only be passed by crowling, but a 100 metres long path inside has been made open to the public. The cave can be visited in guided tours.
Guided tours are offered by the Hochpustertal Alpine School AAH. Bring a torchlight and warm clothes: In torchlight it reflects various ice formations, dripstones and other interesting formations.
Contact info
- Carnic High Route (2,300 m a.s.l.) - 9941 - Kartitsch
- Guided tours or visits upon reservation.
- +43 4842 6085 / +43 664 5750847
- info@bergschule-aah.at
Admission
accessible only in summer with a guide of the Hochpustertal Alpine School AAH, prices on request
More information
The Obstans Ice Cave will reopen at the end of June 2023 for the summer season.
