The Dachstein Glacier lies above Obertraun in Upper Austria, in the Salzkammergut region of the Austrian Alps. It is presented as the country's most accessible glacier experience, and reaching it is simple: cable cars carry visitors up to around 3,000 metres above sea level, where the Alpine scenery opens out around them.
What a visit offers
- Year-round skiing on the glacier, so the slopes are open whatever the season.
- The 5fingers viewing platform, a well-known lookout over the mountain landscape.
- Ice caves formed naturally over a very long time, which give a sense of the glacier's inner world.
Because the cable cars do most of the climbing, the Dachstein suits visitors who want high-altitude mountain views without a demanding hike. Those who enjoy skiing will find it an unusual option, since the snow is available in the warmer months as well as winter.
Planning the trip
Obertraun is the village at the foot of the mountain, so it makes a convenient base for the day. Check conditions and the cable car schedule before you set out, as high-altitude weather can change quickly and the upper facilities may have seasonal limits. Dress in layers and bring sun protection, since the air is thin and the light reflecting off the ice is strong even on cool days.