Experience the Dachstein Glacier

The Dachstein is one of the most impressive high mountain landscapes in the Alps. At around 2,700 meters above sea level, you can expect an extraordinary mountain experience with spectacular viewpoints, sporting challenges and fascinating natural moments. Whether you are active and sporty or looking for special experiences at lofty heights — at the Dachstein, nature, adventure and panorama come together for an unforgettable excursion.

Dachstein glacier cable car rides between snow-covered peaks under a blue sky. | © Josh Absenger
    Lifts & Slopes
    © GeoSphere Austria:
    https://www.geosphere.at/de

    Attractions at the Dachstein Glacier

    Several spectacular highlights await you around the mountain station, making the Dachstein one of the most remarkable excursion destinations in the Alps.

    The Sky Walk extends dramatically beyond the rock face of the Hunerkogel. The glass floor offers an impressive view 250 meters down into the depths. On clear days, the view stretches far across the Alps — as far as the Hohe Tauern.

    The suspension bridge with the famous stairway into nowhere adds extra thrills. Here you stand seemingly free above the steeply dropping rock face and enjoy a unique panorama of the high alpine landscape.

    Another special highlight is the Himmelsleiter. Twelve steps lead to a glass platform that opens up a spectacular view of the Dachstein massif — an extraordinary photo spot in the middle of the Alpine scenery.

    Snow-covered mountains, man on viewing platform, and green dragon figure at Dachstein. | © Renè Eduard Perhab
    Two adults and two children stand on a suspension bridge and below you can see snow-covered mountains | © Josh Absenger
    Two people on glass viewing platform with view of snow-covered rocks and mountains. | © Harald Steiner

    Dachstein Ice Palace

    Fascinating world in the glacier

    Just a few minutes from the mountain station, an impressive world of ice opens up inside the glacier. At the Dachstein Ice Palace, you step into a mystical landscape of ice, light and artistically designed sculptures.

    The exhibition features highly detailed figures and scenes made directly from natural glacier ice. Between sparkling ice walls and frozen formations, you experience the special atmosphere of the glacier up close — a fascinating contrast to the high alpine surroundings outside.

    Visitor looking at an ice snowman in Dachstein Ice Palace, surrounded by ice walls. | © Juris Adventure
    Family posing on an ice throne in front of ice walls at the Dachstein Ice Palace. | © Christoph Huber
    Two people looking at an ice sculpture of a climber in the Dachstein Ice Palace. | © Harald Steiner

    Sports activities at the roof of Styria

    Cross-country skiing at the Dachstein Glacier

    The Dachstein Glacier is one of the highest cross-country skiing areas in Europe. At around 2,700 meters above sea level, up to 15 kilometers of glacier trails are available — depending on snow conditions — ensuring an exceptionally long season.

    The Ramsau trail extends for up to 5 kilometers with views of Grimming and Krippenstein. The Hallstatt trail runs for up to 10 kilometers through the high alpine glacier landscape and is regularly used as a training route by international cross-country skiing teams.

    Two cross-country skiers in winter landscape at Dachstein, snow and mountains in the background. | © Harald Steiner
    Skier descends steep powder slope in the Edelgrieß area at Dachstein, blue sky. | © Andy Kocher

    Freeride adventure on the Dachstein

    The Freeride descent “Edelgrieß” is considered by insiders to be the most beautiful freeride descent in the Alps. However, sure-footedness and advanced skiing ability are required to ride through the Dachstein’s southern massif down to Ramsau village. 1,600 meters of powder skiing in a magnificent rock setting with views of the Planai and Schladming, on slopes of up to 45 degrees.

    Between steep rock barriers and limestone walls, you’ll find cirques, gullies and firn slopes on the Dachstein. In total, this spectacular descent to Ramsau stretches for eight kilometers!

    Dachstein crossing – a legendary ski tour through the Alps

    The Dachstein crossing is also popular with locals and guests alike. It is one of the classic, major ski crossings in the Alps and can usually be done in late winter and spring. Austria’s national ski tour is the most spectacular way to experience the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site Dachstein.

    The descent follows a 25 km route from the Dachstein summit area via Simony Hut and Gjaidalm down to Hallstatt Lake, 2,200 meters below. To get back to the Dachstein valley station without any hassle, there are Planai buses from Obertraun to Schladming.

    Four ski tourers in a winter mountain landscape with snow-covered slopes and firs. | © Markus Rohrbacher

    Moments of enjoyment at the Dachstein Glacier

    Right at the mountain station, the Dachstein Glacier Restaurant invites you to take a relaxing break. Here you can enjoy regional specialties, hot dishes and small refreshments in between — accompanied by impressive views of the surrounding mountain world.

    One floor up, you’ll find the Himmelsbar. With a drink or cocktail, you can let your gaze wander over the high alpine landscape and enjoy the moment at lofty heights.

    People enjoying drinks at tables with view of snow-covered mountains through panorama windows. | © Harald Steiner
    Couple enjoying regional dishes at the Dachstein glacier restaurant with wine and bread. | © Harald Steiner
    Restaurant with large windows and mountain view on snow-covered peaks at Dachstein. | © Harald Steiner

    Further information about the Dachstein Glacier

    Contact & Arrival

    to the Dachstein Glacier

    Dachstein Glacier Railway
    Adress
    Schildlehen 79
    8972 Ramsau