Dachstein

The Dachstein is a 20 x 30 km limestone massif in the Northern Calcareous Alps, in Austria. The summit is at 3,000 m (although different maps invariably quote 2,997 - 3,003 m), with dozens of other peaks above 2,500 m. The Dachstein is situated on the border between Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) and Styria (Steiermark). Parts of the massif also lie within Salzburg state.

The Dachstein massif is most famous for its large glaciers, which flow from south to north towards the Hallstatt and Gosau valleys. It is also famous for giant cave systems, including an ice cave, accessible from the northern side of the mountain (Obertraun and Hallstatt).

A cable car provides quick and easy access to the top of the Südwand and the back of the Hallstatter and Schladming glaciers. From the cable car station, you can hike onto the glacier, surrounding summits, or climb to the Hoher Dachstein summit (3000 m).

A return journey on the cable car costs €47 (price updated July 2023).

Buying a ticket on the cable car includes the cost of the toll road from Ramsau to the cable car base station. Otherwise, the road toll is €6 per person.

• Krippenstein & the Dachstein Caves - For an alternative view of the glacier, take the cable car from Obertraun up to the Krippenstein, via the Eishöhlen and Mammuthohlen (ice caves and Mammoth caves respectively).
• 🌍 Hoher Dachstein (Dachstein Massif).