We’re all slowly getting fed up with the temperatures in the city that just aren’t getting any colder, aren’t we? That’s why we’ve got the ultimate way to cool off: a trip to the Salzkammergut, where the temperature is permanently kept at -2 °C— about a three-hour drive from Vienna. Deep within the mountain range of the Upper Austrian Alps lies a layer of ice up to 25 meters thick that you can explore. The guided, 50-minute tour takes you straight into the famous Dachstein Giant Ice Cave.
To get to the Schönbergalm midway station, take the mountain railway—a classic way to travel that offers breathtaking views. Afterward, walk uphill for about 15 to 20 minutes until you reach the actual entrance. Before the tour begins, you must check in at the cave ticket office.
Once your eyes have adjusted to the darkness, the path begins through the ice-free stalactite hall. There you’ll find the so-called King Arthur’s Dome, where scientists have discovered historical cave bear bones. In addition, light and sound installations provide entertainment, while the roaring cave bear figures fill the room with their roars.
By the way: If you want to stay up to date on exciting places, news, and activities in and around Vienna, feel free to follow us on Instagram or Facebook!
Icebergs over nine meters high
The highlight, however, awaits on the upper level, where the massive ice floor has formed. Stairs lead you directly into the Ice Palace and the Parsival Dome. There, the so-called “Great Iceberg,” over nine meters high, towers before you.
Because seepage water constantly drips down from the Dachstein Plateau, the ice formations continue to grow every spring. Even though it gets warmer in the summer, the net effect remains positive, as the cold cave air freezes the water back up immediately. As a result, the massive ice dome of the Gralsburg constantly shimmers in shades of white and dark blue.
The tour then takes you deep into the Great Ice Chapel and past a wide ice chasm. To cross this section safely, you’ll step onto a suspended bridge. From there, you’ll look directly into the deep crevasses of the cave before emerging back into daylight at the exit, with a view of Lake Hallstatt. It’s also worth getting a Dachstein All-In-One Ticket for €66.20, which covers both the mountain ascent and cave admission in a single purchase.
🏔️ Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
📍 Schönbergalm, 4831 Obertraun
💶 All-In-One Ticket: €66.20 (adults), €36.40 (children)
⏰ Check-in at the ticket office by 1:00 p.m.
