Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
Explore the Majestic Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
Dachstein Giant Ice Cave: A Subterranean Glacier
Explore a mesmerizing ice cave in the Austrian Alps, featuring stunning frozen formations and an unforgettable subterranean experience.
The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, located near Obertraun, Austria, is a breathtaking natural wonder featuring massive ice formations within an extensive cave system. Discovered in 1897 and open to tourists since 1912, the cave offers guided tours through its icy chambers, showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and frozen waterfalls.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Dachstein Rieseneishöhle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
8:40 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday
8:40 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:40 am-4:30 pm
Thursday
8:40 am-4:30 pm
Friday
8:40 am-4:30 pm
Saturday
8:40 am-4:30 pm
Sunday
8:40 am-4:30 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Hallstatt Lahn bus station, take bus #543 towards Obertraun Dachsteinseilbahn. The bus stops directly in front of the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car valley station. The ride is approximately 10 minutes. Check the OÖVV (Oberösterreichischer Verkehrsverbund) website or app for the most current timetable. A single ticket costs around €3-5. From the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car valley station, purchase a ticket for Section 1, which takes you to the Schönbergalm middle station. A 'Dachstein Cave Ticket' includes the cable car ride and entrance to both the Ice and Mammoth Caves. In 2025, this ticket costs €48.70 for adults. The cable car runs every 15 minutes. From the Schönbergalm, follow the well-marked path uphill for about 15-20 minutes to reach the entrance of the Dachstein Ice Cave.
Driving
From Hallstatt, drive south towards Obertraun. Follow the signs for Dachstein Krippenstein. The drive is approximately 8km and takes about 10 minutes. There is a large parking lot at the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car valley station. Parking costs €5 for a full day (6 am - 10 pm). From the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car valley station, purchase a ticket for Section 1, which takes you to the Schönbergalm middle station. A 'Dachstein Cave Ticket' includes the cable car ride and entrance to both the Ice and Mammoth Caves. In 2025, this ticket costs €48.70 for adults. The cable car runs every 15 minutes. From the Schönbergalm, follow the well-marked path uphill for about 15-20 minutes to reach the entrance of the Dachstein Ice Cave.
Local tips
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Dress warmly! The temperature inside the cave is around -2°C (26.6°F), so layers are essential for a comfortable visit.
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Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the paths inside the cave can be slippery.
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Book your cable car tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues.
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Check the Dachstein Krippenstein website for the most up-to-date opening hours and cable car schedules.
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Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Mammoth Cave or the 5 Fingers viewing platform for a full day of adventure.
Discover more about Dachstein Rieseneishöhle
The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave (Dachstein Rieseneishöhle) is part of the Dachstein massif, a UNESCO World Heritage area known for its stunning alpine scenery. The cave, situated at 1,455 meters above sea level, extends 2.7 km into the mountain, with about 800 meters accessible to the public via guided tours.The cave's icy formations are the result of water seeping through cracks in the Dachstein plateau, freezing within the cave's cold environment. The ice has accumulated over centuries, with experts estimating some formations to be around 500 years old. The cave features impressive chambers like King Arthur's Dome, Parsifal's Dome (housing the 'Castle of the Holy Grail' ice stalagmite), Tristan's Dome, and the Big Ice Chapel. Visitors can explore the cave's wonders via guided tours that take approximately 50 minutes, traversing a path of around 800 meters with a height difference of 80 meters. The tour guides share information in both German and English. Inside, colored lights illuminate the ice formations, creating a surreal atmosphere.To reach the cave, visitors take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the Schönbergalm middle station. From there, a scenic 15-20 minute walk along a well-maintained path leads to the cave entrance. The temperature inside the cave is around -2°C (26.6°F), so warm clothing is essential.
A brief summary to Dachstein Rieseneishöhle
Use Dachstein Rieseneishöhle as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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