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Kungur Ice Cave

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Sep 2026Data Sources

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The Kungur Ice Cave, concealed within the western foothills of the Ural Mountains, is a spectacular geological marvel and stands as one of the largest and most captivating gypsum caves in the world. What makes this cave truly unique is its extraordinary internal microclimate: because the specific air circulation traps the bitter winter cold deep inside, large sections of the highly complex cave system remain frozen entirely year-round. Visitors wandering through the extensive, winding passages are immersed in a fairytale-like underworld, where the sprawling grottoes are adorned with sparkling ice crystals, massive stalactites formed from frozen water, and perfectly still, mirror-like underground lakes. The cave has a rich history of exploration and has been a popular tourist destination for over a century; it was, in fact, one of the very first locations in Russia to offer organized, guided cave tours.

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Location: Russia
Nearby: Perm (76 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-16	-15	-7	1	11	15	18	16	10	2	-7	-15
Rain mm	40	33	46	48	69	89	87	87	67	71	52	43

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Kungur Ice Cave is accessible only via guided tours. Inside, you can see impressive ice formations and an underground lake.

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Typical hours

Tours are typically scheduled several times a day, especially in winter. In summer, tours are less frequent - check local listing for current times.

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Photography

Photography inside is allowed, but flash may be restricted to protect ice formations. Tripods require permission from the guide.

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Time needed

A guided tour lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Dress warmly as the cave temperature is near freezing.

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Combine with

Combine the cave visit with a walk through the historic center of Kungur. The nearby Kungur River provides scenic walking paths along the bank.

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Getting there

The cave is located about 100 km from Perm, reachable by car or bus. Tours often depart from the town of Kungur, which is well connected.

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Insider tip

Wear warm clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes as paths can be icy. Visit in winter for the most impressive ice formations.

Geography

Coordinates

57.44000, 56.95000

Facts

Total length of passages is 5.7 kilometers.
Contains 48 grottoes and about 70 underground lakes.
The ice in some grottoes never melts.
First guided tours took place in the 19th century.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Kungur Ice Cave open?

It is open daily, with tours usually taking place between 10 AM and 5 PM.

How cold is it in the cave?

The temperature is near freezing all year round, warm clothing is essential.

How long does a tour take?

A standard guided tour takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

Is the cave suitable for children?

Yes, the path is safely developed, but children should be dressed warmly because of the cold.

Can you take photos in the cave?

Yes, photography is allowed, though flash can often be disruptive.

Kungur Ice Cave: where is it located?

Kungur Ice Cave is located in Russia.

Kungur Ice Cave: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kungur Ice Cave: why is it worth visiting?

The Kungur Ice Cave, concealed within the western foothills of the Ural Mountains, is a spectacular geological marvel and stands as one of the largest and most captivating gypsum caves in the world.

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