Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
Explore a world of ice! Discover vast underground glaciers, stunning ice formations, and a unique subterranean landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a world of ice! Discover vast underground glaciers, stunning ice formations, and a unique subterranean landscape.
"A truly amazing landscape and worth the visit, a highlight of any trip!"
🧥 Wear Warm Layers
Temperatures are freezing! Pack a jacket, hat, and gloves.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Expect slippery, steep stairs. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Ice Formations
Inside the cave
Marvel at stunning ice stalactites, ice towers, and ice columns sculpted by nature over millennia.
Subterranean Glacier
Inside the cave
Witness a unique underground glacier, a testament to the cave's constant low temperatures.
Optional Suspension Bridge
End of the tour
Test your bravery on a thrilling suspension bridge, offering a unique perspective of the cave's depths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Chill
Book Ahead & Pace Yourself
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Wear Warm Layers
Temperatures are freezing! Pack a jacket, hat, and gloves.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Expect slippery, steep stairs. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
📸 Limited Photo Ops
Groups can be large, and lights are on briefly. Be ready to snap!
💧 Stay Hydrated (Outside!)
Bring water, but remember the cave is cold and damp.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Wear Warm Layers
Temperatures are freezing! Pack a jacket, hat, and gloves.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Expect slippery, steep stairs. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
📸 Limited Photo Ops
Groups can be large, and lights are on briefly. Be ready to snap!
💧 Stay Hydrated (Outside!)
Bring water, but remember the cave is cold and damp.
🚠 Cable Car Ride
Enjoy scenic views on the cable car up to the cave entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty of the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, calling it a must-see natural wonder. The unique ice formations and the guided tour are consistently praised. However, some find the large tour groups and limited photo opportunities detract from the experience, and the cold temperatures require serious preparation.
"An amazing landscape and worth a visit. Take the cable car up to the middlestation. From there, it is a steep ascent of 15mins before you reach the cave entrance. We joined the guided tour, and the staff could speak in both German and English. Be warned that the duration of the tour is 50mins and even in the summer, temperatures inside the cave range from -3°C to 3°C. It was freezing and winterwear is highly recommended.
The tour requires lots of walking, and ascending and descending steep, slippery stairs. And there's a (optional) suspension bridge to cross at the end. Plus with how dark the interior is, might be pretty dangerous for the old or those with mobility challenges.
Minus 1 star because the tour group size was too big, which means those at the back had a hard time keeping up and hearing the guide. Plus the lights are switched on and off for only a short duration at each station, so photo time is very limited if you are at the back.
Overall would recommend getting the ticket for the 2 caves. We decided not to get the All-in-one ticket as the view at 5 fingers is likely obstructed by the dense clouds/fog. The weather was bad even in the summer and you can see a preview of the view at the highest station via a live webcam on their website."
cherie chan
"Very impresive tour. Its takes a bit of stamina/time if your going to the top but worth. You have to be prepared with atleast hoodie. Possible with shorts and hoodie. But if you are a bit cold person then i recommend atleast hoodie,jacket,trousers and maybe cap aswell. In there is about 500 stairs so it takes a bit but after walking whole top this was nothing🤣 Guide was also good guy but sometimes the group feels like bunch of monkeys. overall ots a good trip worth every penny."
Jakub Hubka
"We loved this visit and the guided tour. You realise here how beautiful nature is. The caves are well preserved to make sure that they aren't being destroyed by tourism. The hike is very easy from the cable car. Superb views from the top of the mountain of the valley and lake. This is a must visit on a trip to Hallstatt."
Siddharth Aaron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Hallstatt, take a bus or train to Obertraun. From Obertraun, you'll need to take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car. The ice cave is a short, 15-20 minute walk from the middle station.
Yes, you can drive to the base station of the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car, where there is parking available. From there, you'll take the cable car up.
The most common and scenic route is to take the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the middle station. From there, it's a 15-20 minute uphill walk to the cave entrance.
Yes, public transport is a viable option. Buses and trains connect to Obertraun, from where you can access the cable car. Check local schedules for the best routes.
The journey time varies depending on your starting point. From Hallstatt, it can take around 30-45 minutes by public transport to Obertraun, plus the cable car ride and walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Dachstein website for the most current pricing. Combination tickets for multiple attractions are often available.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid long queues.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dachstein website for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Yes, guided tours are typically available in both German and English. The tour duration is approximately 50 minutes.
Yes, you can visit both caves, but they have different opening hours and may require separate tickets or a combined ticket. Plan your day accordingly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the cave remains consistently cold, ranging from -3°C to 3°C (27°F to 37°F) year-round. Warm clothing is essential.
The tour involves a significant amount of walking, including ascending and descending steep, slippery stairs. Be prepared for a moderately strenuous experience.
Yes, it's considered a kid-friendly tour, offering a unique adventure. However, very young children or those with mobility issues might find the walking and stairs challenging.
Photography is generally allowed, but the lighting is often switched on and off for short periods at each station, making it challenging to capture good shots, especially from the back of the group.
Wear warm layers, including a jacket, hat, and gloves. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are crucial due to the slippery and steep stairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located near the base of the cave that offers great views and German food. It's a good spot to refuel after your cave exploration.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the cave to keep the environment pristine. There are dining facilities available nearby.
The restaurant near the cave entrance typically serves hearty German cuisine, perfect for warming up after a chilly cave tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Be prepared for low light conditions. Position yourself near the front of the group if possible, and have your camera ready to capture the formations quickly when the lights are on.
It can be challenging due to limited lighting and large tour groups. Focus on capturing the scale and unique shapes of the ice formations.
Tripods are generally not recommended or allowed due to the confined spaces and the need for quick movement through the cave.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❄️ Cold-Sensitive Visitors
🚶♀️ Visitors with Mobility Issues
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of the Giant Ice Cave
Unlike typical caves that feature stalactites and stalagmites made of mineral deposits, the Giant Ice Cave showcases formations primarily composed of ice. These include impressive ice stalactites hanging from the ceiling, ice stalagmites rising from the floor, and even frozen waterfalls. The cave's entrance is located at a high altitude, contributing to the preservation of ice even during warmer months. The guided tours highlight these natural wonders, explaining the processes that create and maintain this frozen subterranean world.
Navigating the Cave Tour
Guides provide commentary on the cave's history, geology, and the formation of the ice. While the tour is designed to be accessible, individuals with significant mobility issues or those who are very sensitive to cold may find it challenging. The optional suspension bridge at the end offers a thrilling perspective but is not for the faint of heart. The tour concludes back at the middle cable car station, allowing visitors to continue their exploration of the Dachstein plateau.
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