Schellenberger Eishöhle, Ice cave in Berchtesgadener Land, Germany
The Schellenberger Eishöhle is a natural cave in the Untersberg massif at roughly 1570 meters elevation, extending for more than three kilometers through limestone formations. The interior is characterized by permanent ice structures that persist throughout the year.
The cave was first mentioned in writing during 1826 and completely explored by 1874. It opened to regular visitors in 1925 and has since contributed to the region's tourism.
The site takes its name from the nearby village of Schellenberg and is maintained by cave enthusiasts who regularly conduct tours. Visitors experience the cave with traditional carbide lamps, which gives the visit a distinctive character.
Access is either via a three-hour walk from Marktschellenberg or by taking the Untersberg cable car followed by a two-hour hike. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are essential, as temperatures inside remain just above freezing year-round.
The cave remains constantly between minus 0.5 and plus 1 degree Celsius year-round and contains approximately 60,000 cubic meters of permanent ice formations. This extreme cold storage makes it a rare example of underground ice deposits in this region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
