Ice bathing in summer? It sounds impossible, but it’s possible in Tirol’s largest glacier cave. We’re not quite sure why almost nobody brings their swimming gear when they visit here… but then again, a boat trip across the underground glacier lake is great fun too. And you can admire the glacier cave’s many icy wonders much better in warm clothes anyway.
Admittedly, the almost vertical Martinswand doesn’t look particularly accessible. And yet the cave, visible from afar, can be reached via a well-secured path, even by families. Emperor Max didn’t have it quite so easy back then.
Straight out of the car and into an attraction? Not here! Because if you want to cool off in this cave, where the temperature stays at a constant 0° Celsius, you’ll first have to warm up on a walk. The distance is a bit longer, but it’s very easy. Promise.
Anyone hoping to find Stone Age artefacts or bear bones in this cave needn’t bother making the trip, as these have long since been put on display down in the valley. But then you’d miss out on a rather adventurous hike and this place of power – and we really wouldn’t recommend that.
Hiking, Kaiserschmarrn, pedal boating at 2,300 metres above sea level, and then exploring Tirol’s second-longest ice cave… sounds almost a bit much for one day, doesn’t it? Never mind – just pack your toothbrush and a sleeping bag for the Mountain hut and check into the Obstansersee Mountain hut, then you’ll finally be able to enjoy that morning dip in the mountain lake.
