Austria, renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes and picturesque villages, boasts some of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Among the most beautiful places in Austria, the Dachstein region near the charming town of Hallstatt stands out as a must-visit destination.
This area is home to two extraordinary attractions that will leave you in awe: the mesmerizing Dachstein Ice Caves and the heart-stopping 5-Finger Viewing Platform.
These unique sites offer visitors a chance to explore the depths of a frozen wonderland and experience panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Dachstein Ice Caves & 5-Finger Viewing Platform
There aren’t too many places in the world that offer you the opportunity to experience the beauty of a mega-sized ice cave, and the Hallstatt Ice Caves is only one of the few.
Located on the Krippenstein Peak of the Alps’ on the Dachstein Mountain Range, the Dachstein Ice Caves are among the most incredible natural wonders of the Earth.
It is often described as an “Ice Palace” and offers one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have as a traveler.
Vast icebergs, massive glaciers, and frozen cascades of sapphire-colored ice are sights you can expect to glimpse as you explore the ancient ice cave near Hallstatt.
If that’s not enough, the 5-Finger Lookout near Hallstatt will let you hover high above the clouds and offer you the view of a lifetime!
So, if we have managed to spark your interest, here’s a little guide that will help you get the most out of your journey!
The Dachstein Ice Caves
The Dachstein Ice Caves are one of the largest ice caves in the world, extending around 50 kilometers deep into the Dachstein Mountain Range.
The first section of this cave was discovered in 1910, and it became a tourist attraction only a couple of years later.
The Cable Car Service was opened in 1951, before which the only way to reach the caves involved extreme mountain hiking and even rock climbing.
The stunning labyrinths of the Dachstein Ice Caves almost appear like an enchanted “Palace of Ice.”
Very few places on Earth offer such stunning natural beauty, which has earned it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can join a guided tour as you reach the cave entrance, deep into the ice cave.
The expert guides will explain how these caves were formed and provide interesting facts about the place. A little further into the caves lies a vast cavern called the St. Arthur’s dome.
You will see huge rocks and hear stories about the place’s archaeological findings.
Some of the key areas inside the caves include the Ice Palace, the Parsifal Dome, the Big Ice Mountain, and the Castle of the Holy Grail.
The 5-Finger Viewing Platform
As you exit the cave, you can head to the Five Finger Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the entire mountain range!
The 5-Finger viewing platform is situated at the top of the mountain. Getting there involves catching a second cable car, which you can easily take near the exit of the Ice Caves.
The Dachstein Cable Cars depart every 15 minutes, and it takes only about 5 minutes to reach the lookout.
The Five Fingers viewing platform is located at an altitude of 2108 meters above sea level.
It offers a breathtaking view of the Alps, including the entire Lake Hallstatt and the Krippenstein Mountain Range.
The platform is shaped like a five-fingered human palm and has a 1300-foot vertical drop right below it. Standing on the platform and looking around will give you an adrenaline rush.
Where are the Dachstein Ice Caves and the 5-Finger Viewing Platform?
The Ice Caves and the Five Finger Lookout are located about a 30-minute drive Southeast of Hallstatt at Krippenstein, 4831 Obertraun, Austria. You can also reach them on a day trip from Salzburg.
How to reach the Dachstein Ice Caves and the 5 Finger Lookout
There are several ways to reach your final destination. You can take a bus, catch a train, or pre-book a taxi. In our case, however, we had a rental car, and I think this was the best way to go.
Here is some info for if you are not traveling in Austria by car.
1. By Bus:
The easiest way to reach the Dachstein Ice Cave and its nearby attractions is to catch a bus to the village of Obertraun Dachsteinseilbahn.
The best way to reach Obertraun is to catch the Postbus 543 from Hallstatt Lahn on the town’s southern side.
The bus fare is around 2 Euros, and tickets must be purchased while boarding the bus. Bus 543 can easily be caught from Hallstatt Lahn between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and there’s a bus leaving every one-and-a-half hours.
Obertraun is the last stop of the ride, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach from Hallstatt. So you don’t have to worry about missing your stop.
2. By Train:
Alternatively, if you plan on arriving in Hallstatt on a train, you are better off staying until the Obertraun Train Station and then catching the Postbus 543 on the way up the mountain.
3. By Taxi:
Taxis in the area are almost non-existent, so if you plan on reaching Obertraun by taxi, you’re better off booking one in advance.
5. Final Destination – by Dachstein Cable Car:
Once you reach the village of Obertraun, the Dachstein Cable Car will take you to the Dachstein Caves and the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform Obertraun.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Dachstein Ice Caves and 5 Finger Lookout is May to October. The Cave remains closed to the general public between late October and April in the winter months.
High snow levels often force authorities to close the 5 Finger Lookout, but it can still be reached if you’re wearing snowshoes and other proper mountain gear.
As for the summer months, the Dachstein Ice Caves remain open between 9:20 AM and 3:30 PM, slightly changing depending on weather conditions.
Since the caves are located at an elevation of 1,455 meters, you must depend on the Cable Car to reach it. The cable car’s timings vary, but its last descent is usually around 5 PM.
A great time to visit the Ice Caves of Dachstein is in August when unique events and concerts are held at the Parsifal Dome inside the cave.
Ready to Head Out?
If you’re planning a trip across Europe, then the Dachstein Ice Cave in Austria is worth a visit.
Not only are the Ice Caves stunningly beautiful, but the entire town of Hallstatt and the surrounding regions let you experience some mesmerizingly beautiful landscapes, which you’d not find anywhere else in the world.
