A Day in the Dachstein: Exploring the Ice and Mammoth Caves
The caves and viewpoints are located within the stunning Dachstein formation, renowned for its “Dachstein limestone” that formed in shallow marine environments. This karst massif began rising during the Upper Triassic, around 230 million years ago, and it’s still on the rise today, dotted with fascinating fossils and remnants of cave bears.
Link to online shop for tickets:
Early Start and Arrival
Arriving early allowed us to take our time and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed. We headed straight for the first cable car, catching the 9:00 AM ride to the ice cave.
We parked at the Krippenstein-Seilbahn Parking lot, which I recommend also reaching early.
💲While there’s a paid parking lot with limited spaces (just €5 for the whole day), free parking is also available along the road.
The Cable Car 1 Ride Krippenstein-Seilbahn to Schönbergalm
The cable car from Parking Krippenstein-Seilbahn to Schönbergalm serves as the starting point for both cave tours. Once we arrived, we checked in at the information desk to secure our tour times. There’s also a lovely restaurant where you can grab a bite and enjoy a coffee before your adventure.
Hiking to the Ice Cave
The hike to the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave takes about 15 to 20 minutes, with a bit of an uphill climb of around 200 meters. It’s a tad strenuous but well worth the effort. We joined a group of about 20-30 people for the guided tour, which lasted around 50 minutes. We finished the tour by 10:40 AM, leaving us ample time to explore more.
Discovering the Ice Cave
The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave is a breathtaking natural wonder perched high above the Trauntal valley. It’s fascinating to learn how the ice forms here: water seeps from the Dachstein plateau through cracks in the cliffs. When the outside temperatures rise above freezing, the cold air inside the cave freezes this water, creating stunning ice formations. Even in summer, when the water might be warmer and cause slight melting, the overall balance favors growth, ensuring the cave remains a magnificent showcase.
As we ventured deeper, our guide led us through ice-free passageways and into the grand stalactite hall, where cave bear bones have been found, showing signs of human interaction. The highlight was the “ice palace,” which led us to the “Big Ice Mountain,” a massive ice formation over 9 meters tall. The ethereal beauty of the ice, especially the shimmering colors of the “Castle of the Holy Grail,” left us in awe.
Tips for Visiting the Ice Cave
🔵 Starting Point: Middle station Schönbergalm (Section 1)
🔵 Walking Time to the Cave: Approx. 15 to 20 minutes (elevation of 200 m)
🔵Duration of Guided Cave Tour: 50 minutes
🔵Temperature: -2 °C, so wear layered clothing and sturdy boots
🔵First Tour Time: 9:30 AM to around 10:40 AM, allowing enough time to visit the Mammoth Cave afterward
🔵Advance Tickets: Purchase the Dachstein All-In-One Ticket online, which includes cable car ascent and descent, admission to both caves, and access to other attractions like 5fingers
Transition to Mammoth Cave
After our tour, we took a short break, used the restroom, and then descended back to the meadows before making our way to the Mammoth Cave, which is located in the opposite direction. It’s another 15-20 minute hike to the entrance, and we joined the next tour at 11:30 AM, perfectly timed after our visit to the ice cave.
The Wonders of Mammoth Cave
The Mammoth Cave captivated me the most due to its formation from the erosion of a paleo river that once flowed through this massif. Walking through the cave, it felt as if we were stepping into a former riverbed, and I could easily imagine the ancient waters carving out these stunning passages. Our tour lasted until around 12:40 PM, giving us just enough time to appreciate the beauty and history of the cave.
❗❗❗Expect to spend around 4 hours for both cave visits, including walking and tours!❗
After the Caves: More Adventure Awaits
If you're in the mood for more adventure after exploring the caves, consider taking the second cable car from Schönbergalm to the Krippenstein summit. Here are some key details:
Cable Car 2: Schönbergalm to Krippenstein summit
Elevation: Reaches 2,100 meters above sea level.
At the top of the Krippenstein, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The summit features several stunning viewpoints where you can soak in the natural beauty surrounding you. There’s also a cozy restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a warm drink. It’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and take in the awe-inspiring landscape.
For an interactive experience, visit the Dachstein Shark sculpture. Towering amidst the stunning alpine backdrop, this life-sized “walk-in” shark is a unique feature that appeals to kids and adults alike.
🚶Those with a sense of adventure will enjoy the Heilbronn Circular Trail, a family-friendly hike lasting about three hours, where moderate temperatures create the perfect conditions for a day out in nature.
The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform✋
From Dachstein Krippenstein, visitors can also catch a glimpse of the Hallstätter Glacier, the largest of seven glaciers in the Dachstein region and a true marvel of the northern Limestone Alps. This rare view adds a magical touch, reminding visitors of nature’s grandeur and the uniqueness of the Dachstein massif.
Getting to the summit is easy, thanks to the cable car service that runs approximately every 15 minutes. This frequency allows you to take your time at the top, soaking in the views and enjoying the amenities before descending. There’s no rush here—just a leisurely experience in one of the most picturesque locations Austria has to offer.
So, if you’re up for more adventure after the caves, don’t miss the chance to explore Krippenstein and its incredible viewpoints. Whether you’re snapping photos, enjoying a meal, or simply soaking in the beauty, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
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