Austria, Dachstein – Rocky Giant

There is a beautiful plateau which makes the majority of the massifs area. The top peaks of Dachstein are, beginnig in the west, Torstein (2 948 m), Hohes Kreuz (2 837 m), or the highes of themt Hoher Dachstein (2 995 m) etc. The highest and very steep summits are situated on the south of the massif. Hoher Dachstein is surrounded by glaciers on the northwest and northeast. Icy white carpet on the west is called Gosaugletscher (Gosau glacuer) and the one on the east is Hallstätter Gletscher. The mouth of the Schladminger Gletscher stretches up to Koppenkarstein. There are two ski tows, and a snowpak. In the snowpark you can find a huge jump which often Czech athletes train on. And you can ski there any time. Skiing is a great experience in the begining of November. However, the small area for slope skiing will quickly get on your nerves (especially when you are used to endless Alpine slopes). Cross-country skiers will love it there for there are two circuits. There are different pass prices. Cross country skiers pay little bit less.

K ledovci Schladminger Gletscher vede z jihu jediná lanovka Dachstein Südwandbahn is the only cable car which gets you to Schladminger Gletscher glacier from the south. It is, of course, the easiest means to get there regardless if you have skis to ride down the slopes or just intending to enjoy the vista. A return ticket for the cable car costs 36 euros during the summer months. In case you want to visit other beautiful tourist attractions (Ice Palace or a hanging bridge) you need to add 8,5 euros to it. The hanging bridge as well as the Ice Palace are near the top station of the cable car. Maybe you would prefer to rather climb the peaks of the southern summits. No problem. There are secured trails (klettersteig) along which you can get to the glacier (you need to carry climbing equipment, however). Yet there is a problem. Once you stand at the edge of the ridge and you know that you need to get back to your car at the bottom station of the cable car you must know there is now trail you can get there on foot. So, you will need to ride the cable car. Be ready to pay 22 euros for a one-way ticket. And be there on time for the last cable car cabin departs at 5.30 p.m.

In Obertraun town in the north, you can step in onto a cable car which gets you to Dachstein – Dachstein Krippenstein. It gets you up to 2060 meters. There is a stop in the middle of the route which is worth to step off to see one of local natural phenomenna – the Ice Cave or the Mamoth Cave. You can buy the ticket when buying a cable car ticket at the bottom station (the cost for a cable car and one entrance to one of the cave is 31 €). When you buy the ticket you will be directed to a window where an employee will write you down to what group you belong to and where you need to go to begin your tour with. Enjoy.

GPS: 47°32'35.9"N 13°41'25.7"E

Text and photos: Martina Brožková