Dachstein Mammoth Cave
Explore one of the largest caves in the Alps, a vast underground labyrinth sculpted by nature over millennia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Dachstein Mammoth Cave
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of the largest caves in the Alps, a vast underground labyrinth sculpted by nature over millennia.
"Impressive biiiig cave formed by impressive nature- also suitable for people that have problems with limited space.."
Wear Layers! 🧥
The cave is a constant 5°C (41°F). Bring a warm jacket or hoodie, even on hot summer days.
Comfortable Shoes Needed 👟
Expect around 500 stairs and potentially slippery surfaces. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gigantic Cavern
Dachstein Mammoth Cave
Explore a vast, naturally sculpted underground labyrinth with impressive rock formations and textures.
Benjamin's Tour
Dachstein Mammoth Cave Guided Tour
Experience an engaging and humorous guided tour, with guides like Benjamin praised for their friendliness and jokes.
Underground Labyrinth Feel
Dachstein Mammoth Cave Passages
Wander through passages that evoke an underground labyrinth, perfect for those who love geology and fantasy settings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Scale
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Layers! 🧥
The cave is a constant 5°C (41°F). Bring a warm jacket or hoodie, even on hot summer days.
Comfortable Shoes Needed 👟
Expect around 500 stairs and potentially slippery surfaces. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential.
Book in Advance if Possible 🎟️
Tours can fill up, especially for specific start times. Check operating hours and tour schedules online.
Consider the Ice Cave 🧊
For a more visually dynamic experience with light shows, visit the nearby Giant Ice Cave.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Layers! 🧥
The cave is a constant 5°C (41°F). Bring a warm jacket or hoodie, even on hot summer days.
Comfortable Shoes Needed 👟
Expect around 500 stairs and potentially slippery surfaces. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential.
Book in Advance if Possible 🎟️
Tours can fill up, especially for specific start times. Check operating hours and tour schedules online.
Consider the Ice Cave 🧊
For a more visually dynamic experience with light shows, visit the nearby Giant Ice Cave.
Guide Quality Varies 👍👎
While some guides are excellent, others may not engage the audience. Hope for a guide like Benjamin!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale and natural formations of the Dachstein Mammoth Cave, often highlighting the engaging tours. However, some find it less visually spectacular than the nearby Ice Cave and note that guide quality can vary. The cool temperature and stairs require preparation.
"Impresive tour where you can find naturaly created cave from water/wind. In there is about 500 stairs so be prepared!😁 Temperature inside feels hood for warmer shirt/shorts or shorts/hoodie. We have got Benjamin as tour guide big shout out to this guy! Deserves all the good. Very kind guide,good speech,good jokes very friendly guy. We have it in last minute because every tourstarts at xx:55 min. we run last 200h meters and he welcomed us with “Hey there i almost close the door” 🤣 Thanks and one more time big shout out to Benjamin"
Jakub Hubka
"Impressive biiiig cave formed by impressive nature- also suitable for people that have problems with limited space.. two stars missing as in this cave there are not really special attractions except the gigantic cave .. the ice cave has more „sparkles“.. besides I was disappointed by the carelessness of the guides- there were two of them but they both went in front and not one in front and one in the back- in the back there were two times people slipping without any interaction by the guides ( not sure if they noticed)"
Evi Napetschnig
"There is nothing special about this cave, only it is really big.
We were also pretty unlucky with our tour guide, who wasn't able to get his audiences attention or interest, because it was Really one of the most boring tours I have ever been on."
Petra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by car, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. You can also take a train to Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen station and then a bus or walk to the cable car.
Yes, it's doable by car, but Hallstatt can be extremely crowded in summer. Some travelers suggest skipping Hallstatt for a more relaxed experience at Altaussee.
Cable cars typically start running around 8:40 AM daily during the summer season, with specific operating hours varying by month. Check the official website for current times.
Yes, you can reach the Dachstein Krippenstein area via public transport. Take a train to Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen and then use local buses or walk to the cable car station.
Yes, there is parking available at the base station of the Dachstein Krippenstein cable cars. It can get busy during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
An 'All In Ticket' including cable cars and access to multiple attractions like the Mammoth Cave and Ice Cave costs around €53.20.
It's advisable to check the official website for booking options. Tours start at specific times, and arriving early is recommended to secure your spot.
The 'All In Ticket' typically includes multiple cable car rides, access to the Mammoth Cave, Giant Ice Cave, 5 Fingers viewing platform, and other attractions. +1
Yes, you can often purchase tickets for individual caves or combined tickets that include cable car access and multiple attractions. The 'All In Ticket' is a popular choice. +1
The Mammoth Cave typically opens later in the season, usually from May 10th onwards, while the cable cars and other attractions may open earlier.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the cave remains consistently around 5°C (41°F) year-round.
The guided tour typically lasts about 45 minutes, involving walking and navigating approximately 500 stairs.
Yes, many visitors find the cave's vastness makes it suitable for those with concerns about confined spaces, unlike some narrower caves.
The main attraction is the sheer size and natural formations of the cave itself. It's more about geological wonder than artificial displays like the Ice Cave.
Wear warm layers, including a jacket or hoodie, and comfortable, non-slip shoes due to the cool temperature and stairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of your surroundings and the tour group. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the cave formations.
Look for areas with interesting rock textures, grains, and fault lines. The vastness of the main cavern offers dramatic perspectives.
A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, but be aware of space constraints. Experiment with wider apertures and higher ISO if needed.
Don't miss the 5 Fingers viewing platform for breathtaking panoramic views of the Dachstein massif and surrounding valleys.
Absolutely! The cable car rides offer stunning aerial views of the alpine landscape, perfect for capturing memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cave itself is vast and might not appeal to all children's attention spans, the cable car rides and the 5 Fingers viewing platform offer exciting experiences. Consider focusing on these more dynamic attractions if you have younger children. The nearby Giant Ice Cave with its light shows might also be more engaging for kids.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Be aware that mountain weather can be unpredictable, as noted by travelers who experienced storms and poor visibility.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Dachstein Krippenstein Complex
To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing an 'All In Ticket,' which covers the cable car rides and access to most of these attractions. This is often more cost-effective than buying individual tickets. Remember that weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so even on a sunny day, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential wind, especially at higher elevations.
Planning your route is key. Decide which attractions are your priority and factor in travel time between them. The cable car system makes it relatively easy to move between different points of interest on the mountain.
The Geology of the Mammoth Cave
Visitors are often struck by the grains, textures, and fault lines visible in the rock formations. These features tell a story of the geological processes that shaped the cave. Unlike the more visually dramatic Ice Cave, the Mammoth Cave's beauty lies in its raw, natural grandeur and the feeling of exploring an underground labyrinth.
The guided tours highlight these geological aspects, explaining how the cave system developed. While some may find it less visually spectacular than caves with elaborate lighting, its vastness and natural artistry are deeply impressive for those interested in geology and natural history.
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