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
- Winter Activities on the Mountain
- Additional Essential Information
- More Attractions Nearby
In this article, we’ll focus on the Dachstein area located in Upper Austria. If you’d like, you can read about the Dachstein mountains in Styria, where the “Stairway to Nothingness” is located, in a separate, comprehensive article we’ve prepared for that area.
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.
A short drive from the village brings you to the Dachstein Mountains, the region’s highlight. The peaks stretch for kilometers, many over 2,500 meters, with Hoher Dachstein reaching 2,995 meters. Three large glaciers add to the area’s striking beauty.
The Dachstein range also extends into Styria and Salzburg, with many attractions on the Styrian side. The most famous is the “Stairway to Nothingness” viewing platform. You can read all the important information about the Dachstein Mountains in Styria in the extended article we have prepared.
A visit to the Dachstein area is a must for anyone exploring Austria’s Lake District. The Obertraun region, known as Dachstein-Krippenstein, offers stunning nature and scenery, accessible via cable cars from the village.
The first cable car takes you to the mid-mountain station, Schönbergalm, with hiking trails and two impressive caves: the Great Ice Cave and the Mammoth Cave. From there, a second cable car ascends to the Krippenstein peak, home to the famous 5 Fingers viewing platform, a circular peak trail, and the World Heritage platform overlooking the glacier. From the summit, you can descend to the Gjaid Valley, featuring a small guesthouse and petting zoo for children.
This is what the View from the Mountain Peak looks like
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, we’ll move on to the key attractions on the mountain. Each cable car station offers access to well-marked hiking trails, making it easy to explore the area. More adventurous visitors can try via ferrata routes or cave treks. While this section highlights the main sights, the Dachstein peaks offer enough trails to fill several days of hiking.
Cable Car to the Mountain Peak
To experience the Dachstein-Krippenstein area, you’ll use its modern cable car system. Reaching the summit requires two cable car sections, with a third continuing into the Gjaid Valley. You can stop at the mid-station to explore additional attractions, while the summit offers scenic viewpoints and easy, enjoyable hiking trails.
Cable Car Operating Hours: The cable cars operate frequently every day during the summer months (from May 1st to November 1st). 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.
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 (€64.30 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:
Recommended 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 inside the mountain lies a vast and captivating world of ice. A guided tour of the Ice Cave reveals underground glaciers illuminated by colorful lights, sound effects, and a storytelling experience about the hidden world of ice and its former inhabitants.
The paths are well maintained and suitable for children, though the tour includes a 30-meter-high rope bridge for those comfortable with heights. The cave entrance is a 15–20 minute, clearly marked walk from the mid-mountain cable car station at Schönbergalm.
On busy summer days, you may need to wait for your tour slot. Tickets are purchased at the middle cable car station, where you’ll receive a numbered entry time. Tours run continuously throughout the summer, last about 50 minutes, and are led by professional guides in either 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.
This is what the Ice Cave looks like
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 (€64.30 for an adult). Read more detailed information about the prices.
Official Website
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 among the largest in the world, with around 70 kilometers of explored passages, though visitors tour only the first kilometer. Striking stalactites and stalagmites form a variety of fascinating shapes throughout the chambers.
Visits are by guided tour only, lasting about 50 minutes. Guides share the cave’s history and research dating back to 1910, ending with artistic installations by students from the University of Art Linz.
The entrance is a 15–20 minute walk from the middle cable car station at Schönbergalm along a marked path. In summer, collect a timed ticket at the middle station, as tours run continuously in 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.
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 (€64.30 for an adult). Read more detailed information about the prices.
Official Website
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:
Recommended 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 one of Austria’s most popular—and arguably the Alps’ most spectacular—viewpoints. Shaped like an outstretched hand, it features five narrow platforms that extend beyond the mountain’s edge, each with a unique design. One is made entirely of glass, offering a thrilling view into a 400-meter drop, while another includes a picture frame for a perfectly framed photo against the dramatic alpine backdrop.
To reach the platform, take the cable car to the summit, then follow a well-maintained, easy trail from the upper station. The walk takes about 20 minutes and passes several viewpoints and nature information panels. The path is suitable for all ages, and you may even spot sheep grazing along the way.
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 (€64.30 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 family-friendly trail begins near the upper cable car station and features fun surprises along the way, including the giant Dachstein shark, whose open jaws frame views of the surrounding landscape. Informational panels introduce the region’s nature and history.
The route is mostly downhill, making it easy for all fitness levels. It ends near the cable car station in the Gjaid Valley, where a small organic restaurant and a petting zoo await. From there, you can simply ride the cable car back up instead of hiking uphill.
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.
This is what some of the Winter Activities awaiting you look like
Additional information about winter activities on the mountain.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Official Website
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.
