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Dachstein Glacier: The Best Excursion Ideas for Summer & Winter

Why a Trip to the Dachstein Glacier Is Worth It Any Time of Year

The Dachstein Glacier is one of Austria’s most impressive destinations and delights visitors year-round with spectacular views, unique attractions, and a wide variety of recreational activities. Even the ride on the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car up to 2,700 meters above sea level is an experience in itself. Whether it’s the Sky Walk, the suspension bridge, the Stairway to Nowhere, or the Ice Palace, there are numerous highlights around the mountain station that make a visit unforgettable.

But the Dachstein has much more to offer. In summer, hiking trails, via ferrata routes, and sunrise breakfasts above the clouds beckon. In winter, cross-country ski trails, winter hikes, and ski tours ensure unforgettable mountain experiences. Discover the best excursion tips with us and find out which experiences will make your visit to the Dachstein Glacier truly special.

Why a trip to the Dachstein Glacier is worth it

At 2,995 meters, the Dachstein is the highest mountain in Styria and one of the region’s most famous tourist destinations Schladming-Dachstein. Thanks to the modern Dachstein Glacier Cable Car, you can reach the mountain station in just a few minutes and find yourself in the midst of an impressive high-mountain landscape.

What makes it special: Many attractions are located right around the mountain station and are easily accessible on foot. This means you can experience several highlights in a single day without having to go on a long hike. At the same time, the Dachstein offers plenty of opportunities for those who want to be active or simply enjoy the impressive views.

The Best Excursion Ideas at the Dachstein Glacier

Up to 2,700 meters with the Dachstein Panorama Gondola

Even the ride up on the Dachstein Panorama Gondola is one of the highlights of the trip. In about ten minutes, it takes you from the valley station in Ramsau am Dachstein up to 2,700 meters above sea level. Thanks to the large panoramic windows, you can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding mountains and the majestic south face of the Dachstein even during the ride.

In the summer, advance seat reservations are required for the gondola ride. It’s best to book your ticket online in advance. For adults, a round-trip ticket in summer starts at €61; the combo ticket, which includes the Sky Walk, suspension bridge, Stairway to Nowhere, and Ice Palace, starts at €73. Dogs are also allowed on the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car. Dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle; the dog ticket costs 8 €.

Experience the Sky Walk, suspension bridge, Stairway to Nowhere & and the Stairway to Heaven

The Sky Walk, suspension bridge, Stairway to Nowhere, and Ladder to Heaven are among the most famous attractions on the Dachstein Glacier and are located just a few minutes’ walk from one another. While the Sky Walk offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Alps, the suspension bridge, the Stairway to Nowhereand the Sky Ladder—with views down to depths of up to 400 meters—provide plenty of thrills and unforgettable photo opportunities. All attractions are already included in the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car ticket. During the summer season (May 9 through November 8, 2026), they are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the Sky Walk but not on the suspension bridge, the Stairway to Nowhere, or in the Ice Palace.

Visit the Ice Palace

The Dachstein Ice Palace reveals a very special side of the glacier. About six meters below the ice surface, walkways lead through the interior of the Dachstein Glacier. Artistic ice sculptures, fascinating ice formations, and impressive light installations make the Ice Palace one of the most popular attractions on the Dachstein. The Ice Palace is open year-round, is located right next to the upper station of the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car, and is already included in the ticket price. In summer, it offers a pleasant way to cool off; in winter, it complements a visit to the scenic attractions.

Good to know: Dogs are not allowed. Since temperatures remain below freezing, warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended even in summer. Regularly changing ice sculptures and art installations ensure that a return visit is well worth it.

Stop for a meal at the glacier restaurant

After taking in the first highlights, it’s worth taking a break at the Dachstein Glacier Restaurant. At 2,700 meters, you can enjoy regional specialties and international dishes with a unique 280-degree panoramic view. A special detail: The state border between Styria and Upper Austria runs right through the middle of the restaurant.

💡 Our tip: If you want to turn your trip into a special experience, don’t miss the sunrise breakfast in the summer or the sunset fondue in the fall.

A person walks across a stunning suspension bridge, surrounded by majestic mountains and a bright blue sky.

The Dachstein Glacier in Summer

In summer, the Dachstein Glacier is much more than just a destination for spectacular viewpoints. Starting around the mountain station is a vast hiking and climbing paradise with varied routes for leisure hikers and ambitious mountaineers alike. Marked glacier trails, scenic high-altitude hikes, and a total of 14 via ferrata routes make the Dachstein one of Austria’s most popular mountain sports destinations.

Those who prefer a more leisurely pace will find numerous hiking trails with impressive views of the Dachstein massif and the surrounding mountains. The Schladming-Dachstein region also offers idyllic alpine pastures, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and other natural highlights that can be perfectly combined with a trip to the glacier.

💡 Our tip: Make sure to set aside plenty of time for your summer trip. Between the attractions around the mountain station, a hike, and a leisurely stop for refreshments, a day on the Dachstein often goes by faster than you’d expect.

The Dachstein Glacier in Winter

In winter, the Dachstein shows its athletic side. Thanks to its high altitude, cross-country skiers and ski tourers often start their season here as early as fall. On the high-altitude glacier trails, not only recreational athletes train, but also national and international cross-country skiing teams on a regular basis. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can explore the snow-covered mountain landscape on a winter hike and enjoy the impressive views of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

Well-known attractions such as the Sky Walk, the suspension bridge, the Stairway to Nowhere, and the Ice Palace are also open in winter and offer a very special atmosphere. Snow, ice, and crisp winter air give the Dachstein a completely different character than it has during the summer months.

Viewing platform at the Dachstein Glacier in winter overlooking the snow-covered mountains.

Experience even more with the Schladming-Dachstein Card

If you’re spending your vacation at select ALPS RESORTS in the Schladming-Dachstein region, including, for example, Alpenrock Schladming, Bergresort Hauser Kaibling, Alpenchalets Reiteralm or Villa Liesl, receives the Schladming-Dachstein Card for free, even with just one night’s stay. With it, you’ll enjoy over 100 free experiences and more than 100 bonus perks throughout the region.

With the Schladming-Dachstein Card, you’ll enjoy the following benefits, among others:

One free round-trip ride per day on a summer mountain railway of your choice.
A round-trip ride on the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car is included for stays of at least two nights. A fixed-seat reservation is still required.
Important: The ride on the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car is included. However, additional attractions such as the Ice Palace or special events are not automatically included with the Schladming-Dachstein Card and may incur additional charges depending on the offer.
Free admission to numerous outdoor pools, swimming lakes, museums, toll roads, and other attractions.
Free use of selected hiking buses and public transportation.
Discounts on numerous recreational offerings and activities.

💡 Our tip: Check the current benefits of the Schladming-Dachstein Card before your trip. Depending on the season, individual offers and included services may change.

With the right guest card, you can get even more out of your vacation. Discover all ALPS RESORTS guest cards and enjoy free experiences and attractive benefits in Austria’s most beautiful regions.

Additional Guest Cards

A joyful boy splashes water at a wooden fountain while family members enjoy a scenic mountain backdrop in Ramsau.

Vacation in the Schladming-Dachstein Region

A trip to the Dachstein Glacier is just one of many highlights of the Schladming-Dachstein region. All around Styria’s highest mountain, numerous hiking trails, crystal-clear mountain lakes, impressive waterfalls, family-friendly destinations, and diverse biking routes are waiting to be discovered. From the ALPS RESORTS, you can easily reach the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car as well as many other attractions in the region. This turns a day trip into a varied vacation full of nature, activity, and unforgettable mountain experiences.

Discover the perfect ALPS RESORTS in the Schladming-Dachstein region now and embark on your next mountain adventure.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About the Dachstein Glacier

How much does the suspension bridge at the Dachstein cost?

There is no additional admission fee for the suspension bridge. It is already included in the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car ticket.

Do you have to pay extra for the Stairway to Nowhere?

No. The Stairway to Nowhere is also included in the gondola ticket and can be visited at no extra charge.

How much does the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on the season, age, and package. You can find the current prices on the official Dachstein Glacier Cable Car website. In the summer, you should book your ticket—including a reserved seat—as early as possible. Ticket Shop

When is the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car open?

Hours of operation vary by season. Be sure to check the current opening hours and weather conditions before your visit, as changes may occur on short notice.

Do I need to reserve a seat on the gondola in the summer?

Yes. During the summer months, advance seat reservations are required for the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car.

Do you need to know how to climb to visit the Dachstein Glacier?

No. The most famous attractions, such as the Sky Walk, the suspension bridge, the Stairway to Nowhere, and the Ice Palace, are located right next to the mountain station and can be reached without any mountaineering experience. Challenging hikes and via ferrata routes are optional and are intended for experienced mountaineers.

Do you need to set aside the whole day for the Dachstein Glacier?

No. Four to five hours are usually enough to see the most popular attractions around the mountain station. If you’d also like to go hiking, stop for a meal at the glacier restaurant, or take part in a special experience like the sunrise breakfast, it’s worth spending a whole day there.

Is it possible to visit the Dachstein Glacier with children?

Yes. Many attractions are located right at the mountain station and can be reached without long hikes. The panoramic gondola, the Ice Palace, and the spectacular viewpoints, in particular, make this trip a special experience for families as well.

The Dachstein Glacier at a Glance

📍 Location: Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria
🚠 Access: Dachstein Glacier Cable Car
🏔️ Elevation of the mountain station: 2,700 meters above sea level
🕒 Recommended duration of visit: 4 to 6 hours
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for: Families, couples, hikers, nature lovers, and active travelers
☀️ Best time to visit: Year-round, depending on your desired activity
🎟️ Reservations: In the summer, a reserved seat is required for the ride on the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car.

When is the best time to visit the Dachstein Glacier?

The Dachstein Glacier is worth a visit all year round. In summer, you can enjoy hikes, scenic overlooks, and attractions like the Sky Walk or the Ice Palace. In winter, cross-country ski trails, winter hikes, and ski tours beckon. It’s usually especially quiet in the morning outside of school vacation periods.

Are there any ALPS RESORTS near the Dachstein Glacier?

Yes. Several ALPS RESORTS are located just a few kilometers from the valley station of the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car and are ideal as a starting point for a day trip. The Alpenrock Schladming and the Alpenchalets Reiteralm are each just 19.6 km away, while the Bergresort Hauser Kaibling 22.5 km and the Villa Liesl 23 km away. The Tauernresidence Radstadt is also located just 29 km away, making it a perfect starting point for your vacation in the Schladming-Dachstein region.

Claudia S.

Affiliate & Social Media Manager at ALPS RESORTS

Always hungry - for good food, new favorite spots, and fresh ideas. On the ALPS RESORTS blog, Claudia shares recipes, travel tips, and vacation inspiration for everyone who loves the mountains, good food, relaxing getaways—and, just like her, dogs. More about Claudia

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