Ice caves

The unusual phenomenon of the ice caves between the two villages of Kaltern (Oberplanitzing/Pianizza di Sopra) and Eppan/Appiano can be explained with a simple physical principle: air streams down through cracks in the porphyry stone, creating a system of windpipes that becomes cooler as it descends. This 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. We do recommend to make this excursion during warm summer months.


By car: coming from south (Auer-Ora/Tramin-Termeno/Lake Kaltern), keep on driving on the wine road, pass by the village of Kaltern and continue on towards Unterplanitzing/Pianizza di Sotto. Turn left and continue towards Oberplanitzing/Pianizza di Sopra. Parking possibilities at the elementary school of Oberplanitzing/Pianizza di Sopra. A few meters further, at the right curve, you will notice the path to the ice caves. Coming from north (Bolzano/Appiano), take the wine road towards Kaltern. At the Maxi Mode shopping centre, turn right direction Obere Gand/Ganda di Sopra/Passo Mendola. Afterwards continue on towards Pianizza di Sopra.

By bus: regular bus connections from Kaltern to Oberplanitzing/Pianizza di Sopra and Appiano via Citybus. At the following link you will find infos and current timetables.