Venturing inside the frozen, underground chambers of the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave reveals a spectacular natural wonder of towering ice sculptures and frozen waterfalls. Located just across the lake in Obertraun, this massive cave system is reached by riding the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car up the mountain. Walking through the dark stone passages, you enter giant caverns filled with massive columns of blue ice that are dramatically illuminated by a modern light show.
What makes the visit truly spectacular is the artistic presentation of the cave. Visitors walk across a suspension bridge suspended over a deep abyss, accompanied by atmospheric music that echoes off the frozen walls. It is a thrilling, subterranean adventure that showcases the incredible power of nature in the high-alpine regions of Austria.
One fun fact people love:
The ice inside the cave is formed by rainwater that seeps through mountain cracks in spring, freezing instantly when it hits the cold cave air which remains below freezing year-round.
Where in Hallstatt is it?
Located on the Dachstein Krippenstein mountain in Obertraun, situated approximately eight kilometers east of Hallstatt.
How to reach:
Accessible by taking the local public bus 543 from Hallstatt to the Obertraun cable car station, followed by a cable car ride and a short hike.
Best time to visit:
May to October when the cave is officially open to the public and the mountain trails are clear.
Best time of day:
Morning around 10:00 AM to catch the first cable car and explore the cave before the afternoon peak hours.
Entry fee:
A combined ticket for the cable car ride and guided cave tour costs approximately 40 to 45 EUR per adult.
Commute difficulty:
Challenging; requires taking a bus and a cable car, followed by a steep, fifteen-minute uphill walk on paved paths to reach the cave entrance.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The temperature inside the cave is permanently below freezing, averaging around minus one degree Celsius, so winter jackets and gloves are essential even in August.
- The tour involves climbing over five hundred stone steps inside the cave, which can be slippery and require good physical mobility.
- You can extend your mountain ticket to visit the famous 5 Fingers viewing platform, which stands high above the clouds on the same mountain peak.
