Dachstein & Ice Cave★★★
The Dachstein (2,995 m) is the highest mountain in the Salzkammergut and a colossus of limestone and eternal ice. On its north side, accessible from Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt, are two of Europe's most spectacular caves: the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave with its massive ice sculptures and the Mammoth Cave with its gigantic cavities.
From the middle station of the Dachstein cable car (1,350 m), paths lead to both caves. Those who go further up reach the Krippenstein (2,108 m) with the 5fingers platform — five steel fingers reaching 400 m into the sky above the abyss.
💡 Tipp
The ice cave maintains a temperature of around 0°C year-round — even in midsummer, wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes! The combo ticket for the ice cave + Mammoth Cave + cable car costs €62 (adults) and saves €15 compared to individual tickets.
Caves & Viewpoints
★★★ Dachstein-Rieseneishöhle
One of the largest ice caves in the world — over 500 m of walkable path through meter-high ice columns, frozen waterfalls, and cathedral-sized ice halls. The cave was formed millions of years ago through water erosion in the limestone rock; the ice only formed in the last few millennia. A light show illuminates the ice formations in changing colors. The tour (50 min.) is also suitable for children, but requires 500 steps.
Admission: 28€ (adults), 16€ (children 4–15). Cable car additional. May–October: tours every 20–30 min., 9 am–4 pm. Warm clothing mandatory!
★★ Mammuthöhle
No mammoth bones, but "mammoth-sized" cavities: The Mammuthöhle extends over 70 km of underground passages (1 km walkable). Vast halls, narrow passages, bizarre limestone formations, and an acoustic presentation make the tour (60 min.) an adventure. Unlike the ice cave, it is about 3°C — still cool.
Admission: 28€ (adults), 16€ (children). Similar opening times to the ice cave.
★★★ 5fingers Viewing Platform
On the Krippenstein (2,108 m): Five walkable platforms made of steel jut out like fingers over the cliff edge — 400 m straight above Lake Hallstatt. Each "finger" has a different design (glass floor platform, picture frame platform, etc.). Freely accessible with the cable car ticket. One of the most photogenic viewpoints in the Alps.
★ Dachstein Shark (Skywalk)
At the mountain station of the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car (south side, from Ramsau): A glass platform in the shape of a shark's mouth juts 250 m over the abyss. Impressive, but only accessible from the south side (different access than Obertraun).
