In this article, we’ve compiled the most important information about Dachstein and its attractions.
- Obertraun and Dachstein Mountains – General Information
- Weather
- Cable Car to the Mountain Peak
- Recommended Attractions
- Ice Cave
- Mammoth Cave
- 5 Fingers Viewing Platform
- “World Heritage” Viewing Platform
- Heilbronn Hiking Trail
- Winter Activities on the Mountain
- Additional Important Information
- More Attractions Nearby
Obertraun and Dachstein Mountains – General Information
The village of Obertraun is located on the shore of the large Lake Hallstatt, a short boat ride from the famous village of Hallstatt. It is the southernmost settlement around this lake. The rushing Traun River flows through the heart of the village. The village serves as a popular accommodation spot throughout the year due to its proximity to the lake and the Dachstein Mountains to its south. If you are visiting this area and want to stay in the village, you can find a list of recommended accommodations here (service provided by Booking.com).
A short drive from the village are the Dachstein Mountains, which are undoubtedly the highlight of the entire region. These high mountains stretch for many kilometers, with a large part of the peaks reaching over 2,500 meters above sea level. The highest peak is called Hohe Dachstein, reaching an elevation of 2,995 meters above sea level. Among the high peaks are 3 large glaciers that further enhance the beauty of this area.
Due to its size, this mountain range also extends into the state of Styria and the Salzburg region. On the Styrian side of the mountains, there are also many attractions. The most famous among them is the viewing platform called “Stairs to Nowhere.” You can read all the important information about the Dachstein Mountains in Styria in the extended article we have prepared.
Between the upper Austrian section and the Styrian section, a visit to the Dachstein area is a must for anyone who wants to see the beauty of Austria’s lake district.
The mountainous area of Obertraun is called Dachstein-Krippenstein and offers many attractions for nature and scenery lovers. To enjoy the mountain, you need to ascend it using cable cars that go up to its peak from the Obertraun village area.
The cable cars are divided into two sections. From the village, you first ascend to the middle station of the mountain called Schönbergalm, where there are organized hiking trails in nature, as well as the two impressive caves – the Great Ice Cave and the Mammoth Cave.
From the middle station, you take another cable car that reaches the peak called Krippenstein. Here you’ll find the famous 5 Fingers viewing platform, an exciting circular hiking trail around the peak, and the “World Heritage” viewing platform overlooking the Dachstein glacier. From the peak, you can descend by cable car to the other side of the mountain into the Gjaid valley, where there is a small guesthouse with a petting zoo especially for the little ones.
View from the Mountain Peak
Weather
When ascending to mountain peaks, it’s important to remember that the temperature difference between the village at the base of the mountain and the temperature at the summit can be significant. Even if it seems very pleasant at the base of the mountain, expect at least 10-15 degrees Celsius colder at the peak.
The Dachstein Mountains are very high, so the weather is different from that in the village. At such a high altitude, winds play a significant role in terms of cold and cloudiness. The weather can also change quickly, so you need to be prepared for any scenario.
The best way to prepare for a trip that includes cable car ascents to mountain peaks is using the onion method. You should wear thin clothing close to your body and add longer, thicker layers on top. It is highly recommended to bring a wind and rain jacket, as well as a hat and scarf if the temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius (if you forget to bring rain gear, you can buy a plastic rain jacket at the ticket office for 2 Euros).
To get a general idea of the weather awaiting you, it’s important to check the forecast on the morning of your visit to the mountain. You can see the most up-to-date weather forecast here.
Since the main activity at the mountain peak consists of various viewing platforms (unless you’re skiing, of course), it’s recommended to check the visibility conditions by watching the live cameras directly from the mountain. You can view the live cameras here.
Recommended Attractions on the Dachstein Mountain Peaks
After a general overview of the area and its activities, we can move on to the most important information about the various attractions on the mountain. Around each of the cable car stations on the mountain, there are opportunities to go on hiking trails in nature. The area is well-signposted and organized, so you can easily find your way among the paths scattered across the mountain. For advanced hikers who enjoy a bit of extreme adventure, there are options for rope climbing routes or trekking inside the caves. In this section, we will detail the main attractions on the mountain, but of course, you can spend several days hiking on the Dachstein mountain peaks.
Cable Car to the Mountain Peak
To enjoy all that the Dachstein-Krippenstein area has to offer, you will need to use the advanced and comfortable cable car system operating there. To reach the mountain’s peak, you will need to ascend with two cable cars (Section 1 and Section 2). There is an additional cable car located in the Gjaid valley beyond the mountain (Section 3). You can also stop at the middle station and enjoy several attractions in that part of the mountain. At the top of the mountain, wonderful viewing platforms and easy, enjoyable hiking trails await you.
Cable Car Operating Hours: The cable cars operate frequently every day during the summer months (from May 1st to November 2nd). The first ascent from the base of the mountain departs at 8:40 AM. The last ascent to the mountain and the last descent vary throughout the summer. Cable cars depart every 15 minutes. It is recommended to check the cable car operating times on the official website, as there may be changes due to weather conditions. Cable car operating times on the official website.
Last Ascent Times to the Mountain from the Lower Cable Car Station:
| Date Range | Last Ascent | Last Descent |
|---|---|---|
| 10.09.-28.10. | 2:00 pm | 3:30 pm |
| 4:15 pm (Section 1 only) | ||
| 4:30 pm (Section 2-1) |
Cost (Ascent and Descent on all cable cars):
- Adult – €45.30
- Pensioner – €43.10
- Youth – €40.80
- Child – €24.90
Please note: There is an option to purchase a combined ticket that includes all activities on the mountain (3 cable cars, viewing platform, cave tour) at an attractive price (€46 for an adult). Read more detailed information about prices on the official Dachstein website.
Cable Car Station Address at the Base of the Mountain: Dachstein Tourismus AG, Winkl 34, 4831 Obertraun
Parking: There is free parking next to the cable car station at the base of the mountain.
Map:
Attractions on the Middle Level of the Mountain – Schönbergalm
At the middle station of the cable car that leads to the peak, there are two interesting caves – the Ice Cave and the Mammoth Cave.
The Giant Ice Cave of Dachstein
Deep within the mountain lies a wonderful and exceptionally large world of ice. A tour of the Ice Cave on the mountain is a fun experience, especially due to the diverse display of underground glaciers within it. Deep underground, the magnificent glaciers are showcased in combination with colorful lights, musical sounds, and a fascinating story about the hidden world of ice and the animals that inhabited this cave.
The paths in the cave are well-maintained and easy to walk, even with small children. As part of the tour, you also cross a rope bridge at a height of 30 meters (so be prepared if you are afraid of heights).
To reach the cave entrance, you will need to walk for 15 to 20 minutes from the cable car station in the middle of the mountain (Schönbergalm). The path is marked and signposted, so it’s easy to find.
During the summer days, when the area is crowded with visitors, you may have to wait a bit for your tour time. In any case, you must go to the ticket offices located at the cable car station on the middle level of the mountain and purchase your tickets. After that, you will receive a number and a time for your tour to begin.
Tours of the cave depart continuously during the summer. The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes and is led by professional guides from the site. The tour language is German or English.
Please note: The temperature in the cave is 2 degrees Celsius below zero. It is mandatory to arrive dressed in warm clothes, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Of course, you should wear hiking shoes suitable for walking on trails.
Additional Important Information for Visiting the Ice Cave:
Opening Hours:
- From May 1st to June 27th: 8:40 AM to 3:30 PM
- From June 28th to September 7th: 8:40 AM to 4:30 PM
- From September 9th to November 2nd: 8:40 AM to 3:30 PM
- On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), it’s open an additional hour.
It is recommended to ascend the mountain 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Cost (Cable Car Ascent and Descent + Entrance to the Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave):
- Adult – €48.70
- Pensioner – €46.30
- Youth – €43.80
- Child – €26.80
There is an option to purchase a combined ticket that includes all activities on the mountain (3 cable cars, viewing platform, cave tour) at an attractive price (€60.40 for an adult). Read more detailed information about the prices.
Address (Cable Car): Dachstein Tourismus AG, Winkl 34, 4831 Obertraun
Parking: There is free parking next to the cable car station at the base of the mountain.
Map:
Mammoth Cave
This stalactite cave is one of the largest in the world. Over many kilometers, stalactites and stalagmites are scattered in diverse and interesting shapes. So far, about 70 kilometers of passages within the cave have been explored, and during a visit, you can see the first kilometer of this enormous system of passages.
A visit to the cave is only possible as part of a guided tour offered by professional guides from the site. The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes, during which you will see the hidden natural wonders beneath the surface. The guide will tell you about the history of the place and the research conducted there since 1910. As you visit the different cave chambers, you will witness strangely shaped stalactites and stalagmites. At the end of the trail, there are several artistic exhibits designed by students from the University of Art Linz.
To reach the cave entrance, you will need to walk for 15 to 20 minutes from the cable car station in the middle of the mountain (Schönbergalm). The path is marked and signposted, so it’s easy to find.
During the summer days, when the area is crowded with visitors, you may have to wait a bit for your tour time. In any case, you must go to the ticket offices located at the cable car station on the middle level of the mountain and purchase your tickets. After that, you will receive a number and a time for your tour to begin.
Tours of the cave depart continuously during the summer. The tour language is German or English.
Please note: The temperature in the cave is 3 degrees Celsius. It is mandatory to arrive dressed in warm clothes, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Of course, you should wear hiking shoes suitable for walking on trails.
Additional Important Information for Visiting the Mammoth Cave:
Opening Hours:
- From May 10th to June 27th: 8:40 AM to 3:30 PM
- From June 28th to September 7th: 8:40 AM to 4:30 PM
- From September 9th to November 2nd: 8:40 AM to 3:30 PM
- On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), it’s open an additional hour.
It is recommended to ascend the mountain 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Cost (Cable Car Ascent and Descent + Entrance to the Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave):
- Adult – €48.70
- Pensioner – €46.30
- Youth – €43.80
- Child – €26.80
There is an option to purchase a combined ticket that includes all activities on the mountain (3 cable cars, viewing platform, cave tour) at an attractive price (€60.40 for an adult). Read more detailed information about the prices.
Address (Cable Car): Dachstein Tourismus AG, Winkl 34, 4831 Obertraun
Parking: There is free parking next to the cable car station at the base of the mountain.
Map:
Attractions in the Upper Cable Car Area of Krippenstein Mountain
From the middle level of the mountain, you ascend with another cable car to the peak. In this area, several wonderful outdoor attractions and viewing platforms with breathtaking views await you.
5 Fingers Viewing Platform
The 5 Fingers viewing platform is undoubtedly one of the most popular in Austria and probably the best in the Alps. The viewing platform consists of 5 viewing directions and got its name because its structure resembles 5 fingers. Each of the “fingers” is designed slightly differently and protrudes several meters beyond the edge of the mountain. One of the “fingers” is made entirely of glass, so you can look down into a 400-meter abyss. On another “finger,” there is a picture frame, so you can take a picture within a picture against the magnificent backdrop.
To reach the viewing platform, you must take the cable car that goes to the mountain peak. From the upper cable car station, there is a well-maintained and easy hiking trail with several viewpoints along the way. After walking for about 20 minutes on the path, you reach the 5 Fingers viewing platform. The hiking trail includes educational information about the area’s nature and is suitable for all types of hikers, including children. You can also see relaxed sheep roaming the area, enjoying the fresh grass and clean air.
To reach the viewing platform, you need to purchase tickets for the cable car ascent. There is no additional charge for visiting the viewing platform.
Please note: There is an option to purchase a combined ticket that includes all activities on the mountain (3 cable cars, viewing platform, cave tour) at an attractive price (€60.40 for an adult). Read more detailed information about the prices on the official Dachstein website.
“World Heritage” Viewing Platform
This viewpoint allows you to gaze upon one of the enormous glaciers of the Dachstein Mountains. This viewing platform is just a few minutes’ walk from the upper cable car station. Nearby is the mountain restaurant where you can sit, rest, and enjoy some Austrian delicacies. The walk to this viewing platform is very easy and is suitable for children and even those using wheelchairs.
From this viewpoint, you can continue walking towards the 5 Fingers platform or the additional viewing area, Welterbespirale.
Heilbronn Circular Hiking Trail
This trail is specially adapted for families with small children. The trail starts near the upper cable car station and features surprises worth seeing along its route. You can encounter the giant Dachstein shark and look through its jaws at the entire area. Additionally, there are educational information boards about the entire region.
Most of the trail is downhill, so you don’t need to be in top physical condition to do it. At the end of the trail, you will reach the other side of the mountain towards the cable car station in the Gjaid valley. A small restaurant with organic food and a petting zoo await you there. After resting and enjoying the scenery, you can take the cable car back up the mountain – no need to walk the trail uphill again.
The walking time is 3 hours from the upper cable car station to the valley.
Winter Activities in Dachstein
Dachstein-Krippenstein is also a household name when it comes to snow and winter sports. At the end of December (from December 22nd), the mountain springs back into action, offering a variety of activities for snow lovers. At the summit of the mountain, there are 30 kilometers of diverse ski slopes suitable for all types of skiers. Austria’s longest slope, 11 kilometers, is located on this mountain.
In addition, you can go on snowshoeing trails with special snowshoes, enjoy dog sledding tours, or admire the magnificent view from the various viewing platforms at the top of the mountain. There’s no doubt that it will be very cold at the summit during winter, but the white-covered mountain scenery is definitely an extraordinary experience.
Watch some of the activities awaiting you in winter:
Additional information about winter activities on the mountain:
Additional Important Information for Visiting the Dachstein Mountains
Please note: In November and most of December (until December 22nd), the cable cars do not operate.
Cable Car Address: Dachstein Tourismus AG, Winkl 34, 4831 Obertraun
Arrival by Public Transport (from Salzburg / Vienna):
Take the train to Obertraun Dachsteinhöhlen station (you’ll need to change trains halfway) and from there, take bus line 542 to Obertraun Dachsteinseilbahn station, which is opposite the cable car station in the valley. The total travel time from Salzburg is about 3.5 hours one way, and from Vienna about 4.5 hours! More details on the official website.
Map:
More Attractions Nearby
The village of Obertraun is located in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by several wonderful attractions that you can combine with your visit to the area. Around Lake Hallstatt, there are other charming towns; to the north lies the Bad Goisern area, and to the west is the picturesque village of Hallstatt, which is a must-visit.
The Gosau area is an impressive lake district with wonderful nature activities. It is located about a 25-minute drive from Obertraun.
Bad Ischl is a royal spa town where Emperor Franz Joseph had his summer residence. The town has a luxurious spa. It is located a 30-minute drive from Obertraun.
