A visit to the Dachstein mountains is an absolute must for anyone who wants to witness the powerful beauty of Austrian nature. Among the mountain peaks, you’ll find exceptional viewpoints like the “Steps to Nowhere,” as well as enjoyable attractions such as the suspension bridge, an ice palace, a huge ice cave, an exciting mountain coaster, and more.
In this article, we’ll focus on the Dachstein area located in Styria. This part of the mountains is home to the Dachstein Glacier, the highest in Styria. This area features the famous observation deck known as the “Steps to Nowhere” (Treppe ins Nichts), an impressive ice palace, and a particularly exciting mountain coaster (on a nearby peak). Additionally, the entire region offers wonderful hiking trails amidst nature, and in winter, there are numerous ski slopes for all levels.
If you’d like, you can read about the Dachstein mountains in Upper Austria, where the “5 Fingers” observation deck is located, in a separate, comprehensive article we’ve prepared for that area.
Table of contents:
- Towns for Accommodation – Schladming and Ramsau
- Weather & Mountain Cams
- Cable Car to the Summit
- Glacier Experience & The Steps to Nowhere Observation Deck
- Ramsau Mountain Coaster
- Further Essential Information for Visiting Dachstein Styria
Central Accommodation Towns near the Dachstein Mountains – Schladming and Ramsau
One of the main towns in this mountainous region is called Schladming, and it primarily serves as a popular place for accommodation and a large ski resort. If you’re looking to stay in the Dachstein area in Styria, Schladming is one of the recommended places for accommodation. You can find information on recommended accommodations in the detailed list here (this list is curated on Booking.com and includes only relevant and good places in Schladming).
Another rural area located near the high peaks is called Ramsau am Dachstein, which features small villages mainly used for accommodation by visitors in both winter and summer. You can find information on recommended accommodations in the Ramsau area in the detailed list here (a focused list of recommended places on Booking.com). On a nearby peak called Rittisberg, there’s an exciting mountain coaster with particularly beautiful views.
Additionally, if you’re looking for more rustic accommodation like a farm stay or guesthouse, you can check out these types of places in a separate article we’ve prepared about farm stays, rural guesthouses, and holiday apartments in Schladming and the surrounding area.
You can find more information about the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region in the comprehensive and detailed article we’ve prepared on Schladming-Dachstein.
Weather – LIVE Cams from Dachstein Peaks
There’s no doubt that this mountainous region is impressive year-round, whether it’s warm and sunny or snowing. Since some of the main attractions in the area involve spectacular views, it’s a good idea to check the weather before making a special trip to this area. On days with low clouds and fog, the view from the top of the mountain isn’t as impressive as on clear days.
The best way to plan your visit to the peaks is on the morning of the day you intend to go. You can check the local forecast and live cameras that regularly broadcast from the area:
In any case, it’s essential to remember that on the high peaks, the weather can change surprisingly quickly. It’s important to be prepared for any eventuality and dress in layers (thin layers underneath with warmer, wind and rain-resistant clothing on top). Temperatures at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters are low even on warm summer days, so if you plan to ascend to such a height, you need to bring sufficiently warm clothes.
The Cable Car to Dachstein Summit
The only way to reach the Dachstein summit in Styria is by taking the cable car from the southern part of the mountain (Dachstein Südwandbahn). The cable car itself is a unique experience – it’s an enclosed cable car with large glass windows on all sides, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Additionally, on the upper part of the cable car, there’s an open-air balcony for those who want to enjoy the view and the crisp, refreshing air. The cable car ride from the station at the foot of the mountain takes about 10 minutes, and compared to other cable cars, the travel speed is exceptionally high – almost 50 km/h.
Don’t forget that it’s cold at the summit even on warm summer days. It’s important to come dressed appropriately with several layers to avoid freezing. The temperature differences between the valley and the summit are particularly large. Keep in mind that the winds up high are strong, and it’s recommended to arrive with wind-resistant clothing and closed shoes.
During the summer months, the cable car boarding station can be very crowded, and queues during peak hours can be very long (up to two hours of waiting).
It is highly recommended to book your cable car tickets in advance. You can easily book tickets in advance through the official cable car website.
Please note: To reach the lower cable car station by car, you need to drive on a small, winding toll road called Dachsteinstraße. The entrance to the toll road is in the Ramsau area. If you intend to take the cable car up the mountain, the ride on the small road will be free after you validate your toll ticket at the designated machine at the mountain’s cable car station.
If you do not intend to take the cable car up the mountain, you will have to pay the toll for driving on the road. The toll is 20 Euros for a private car and 6 Euros for a motorcycle.
Another option is to park your car in the parking lot near Ramsau and take a bus from there, which runs frequently in the summer and goes all the way to the cable car station at the foot of the mountain. The bus ride costs 5 Euros for an adult and 2.6 Euros for a child (ages 6-15). On very busy summer days, you will be required to park your car in the parking lot at the entrance to the toll road. In this case, the bus ride will usually be free.
Cable Car Operating Hours: Every day from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM
Cable Car Cost (Round Trip):
- Adult – 54 Euros.
- Youth (16-18) – 40.5 Euros
- Child (6-15) – 27 Euros
Book your tickets in advance here
Parking Address near the Cable Car Station: Dachsteinstraße 140, 8972
Map:
The Glacier Experience (Gletscher Erlebnis) at the Summit
Once you reach the summit, a number of wonderful attractions and breathtaking views await you.
Map of Attractions at Dachstein Summit:
At the upper cable car station, there’s a restaurant, and stepping out, you’ll find a well-maintained walking path leading to various observation decks. You can start at the Skywalk observation deck, which is located directly behind the cable car station and extends several meters beyond the edge of the mountain.
The Steps to Nowhere Observation Deck – A Must-See!
The “Steps to Nowhere” (Treppe ins Nichts) observation deck is truly unique. This viewpoint is essentially a staircase protruding from the edge of the mountain, culminating in a small glass viewing platform offering views you don’t see every day.
As shown in the attractions map above, to reach the observation deck at the summit, you need to walk from the Skywalk observation deck back towards the restaurant entrance and then continue along the constructed path called Skyline, which allows you to view the impressive glacier. From there, you should turn towards the suspension bridge, which is located at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters! This bridge leads to the most magnificent observation deck at the summit – the “Steps to Nowhere.”
This is what the unique observation deck looks like:
From there, you continue along the path towards the Ice Palace, which features many ice tunnels and beautiful sculptures illuminated with colorful lights. The palace offers a cold and exceptionally beautiful experience.
After experiencing the wonderful views and the Ice Palace, you can comfortably sit in the restaurant and enjoy warm food or drinks while admiring the scenery.
Watch the breathtaking view from Dachstein summit and the Steps to Nowhere:
The Ramsau Mountain Coaster
After visiting the mountain summit and returning to the villages at its base, you can continue to the exciting mountain coaster in Ramsau. The coaster is located near Mount Rittisberg.
The coaster track is 1,330 meters long (330 meters uphill and the rest downhill). The track is winding, safe, and especially fun!
The ride begins at the foot of the mountain. Once you are seated in the secure chair and fasten your seatbelt, a slow ascent to the top of the track will begin. From there, you’ll start a fast descent with many twists and turns, and of course, amazing views of the high mountains!
Please note: The coaster operates during the summer and autumn months in all weather conditions (even if it’s raining). Children aged 3 to 8 can ride accompanied by an adult. Children aged 8 and taller than 1.25 meters can ride alone.
Watch the fun ride down the track:
Operating Hours:
- May 29th to July 2nd: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- July 3rd to September 7th: Every day from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (even in rain).
- September 8th to October 26th: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
- October 28th to November 2nd: Every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Cost (One Ride):
- Adult – 10.5 Euros
- Child (8-14) – 8 Euros
- Adult + Child under 8 – 12.5 Euros
Address: Schildlehen 8, 8972 Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria
Map:
Tip: Near the mountain coaster, there’s a small lake where you can swim.
Further Essential Information for Visiting Dachstein Styria and the Steps to Nowhere Observation Deck
Map:
Schildlehen 79, 8972 Ramsau/Dachstein
You can find more information about the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region in the comprehensive article we’ve prepared on Schladming-Dachstein.
