Hoher Dachstein, Schladming Dachstein Travel Guide

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Explore Hoher Dachstein, Austria's majestic alpine peak: glaciers, caves, panoramic views, and thrilling attractions in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hoher Dachstein, the highest peak in the Dachstein Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking alpine scenery, glacier hiking, and thrilling attractions like the Dachstein Ice Palace and the Skywalk. A must-see for any Austrian Alps adventure.

A brief summary to Hoher Dachstein

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hoher Dachstein.

Book your Dachstein Panorama Gondola ticket online in advance, especially during summer, to secure a seat and avoid queues.
Check the weather forecast and webcams before heading up, as conditions in the Dachstein area can change rapidly.
Wear warm clothing, even in summer, as the summit can be 10-15°C cooler than the valleys below, and the ice cave maintains a temperature around 0°C.
Validate your toll ticket at the machine in the Dachstein mountain station to enjoy free road use when using the Dachstein Panorama Gondola.

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Explore Hoher Dachstein on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hoher Dachstein, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From Schladming, follow the B320 Ennstal road, then take the Ramsau am Dachstein turn-off. Drive through Ramsau village and turn left onto the Dachstein toll road. Continue to the Türlwand Hütte parking area. Toll for the Dachstein road is included when using the Dachstein Panorama Gondola; validate your ticket at the mountain station. Otherwise, toll charges apply.
Public Transport

Take a bus from Obertraun or Hallstatt to the Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car valley station. From there, transfer to the Dachstein Panorama Gondola. A one way trip on the Dachstein Panorama Gondola costs €57 for adults. A combo ticket including the Dachstein Suspension Bridge and Stairway to Nothingness costs €60.50.
Cable Car

From the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car, take the cable car from Obertraun Dachsteinseilbahn to Oberfeld. The tickets cost €28 and the journey takes 35 minutes. From the top station of the Dachstein cable car, a well-maintained pathway leads to the Seethalerhütte. The shoulder ascent begins close to the hut.

Discover more about Hoher Dachstein

Hoher Dachstein, towering at 2,995 meters (9,826 feet), is the Dachstein massif's main peak and the second-highest mountain in the Northern Limestone Alps. Straddling the border between Upper Austria and Styria, it's a majestic landmark in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut.Geologically, Hoher Dachstein is primarily composed of Dachstein limestone, dating back to the Triassic period. This rugged peak boasts diverse landscapes, from glaciers and karst formations to caves and picturesque valleys. Though receding, the Dachstein Glacier remains the easternmost glacier in the Alps. The mountain also harbors an extensive cave system, including the Giant Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave, offering a glimpse into a hidden underworld.Since the 19th century, Hoher Dachstein has drawn mountaineers and hikers with its imposing height and natural beauty. Today, the Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car provides easy access to the mountain's highlights, including the Dachstein Suspension Bridge, Stairway to Nothingness, and 5 Fingers viewing platform. Glacier hikes, via ferratas, and panoramic trails cater to adventurers of all levels.