Journey of discovery to the Dachstein Caves: Giant Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave
The Dachstein region in Obertraun is a popular destination for cave explorers and nature lovers. In addition to the impressive giant ice cave you can also see the fascinating Mammoth Cave Both caves offer unique insights into the geological history of the region and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage DachsteinThey are located right next to each other and can be easily visited in one go.
brief information
- What are the Dachstein Caves? Two impressive caves: the Giant Ice Cave with its icy formations and the Mammoth Cave, one of the largest karst caves in the world.
- Where are they? Only about 10 minutes from Hallstatt near Obertraun. Address: Winkl 34, 4831 Obertraun.
- How do I get there? With the Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car from Obertraun.
- Where can I park? There are parking facilities directly at the valley station of the cable car.
- How much time should I plan for? For both caves together it takes about 3-4 hours including cable car ride and guided tours.
- Are they suitable for children? Yes, both caves are suitable for families, but warm clothing and sturdy shoes are required. Children of all ages are allowed.
- Is there an entrance fee? Yes, there is a combined entrance ticket for both caves, including the cable car ride. Costs around 50€
- What are the highlights? In the Giant Ice Cave: the Ice Chapel and the King Ludwig Cathedral. In the Mammoth Cave: the huge karst galleries and the underground river systems.
The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave: A World of Ice and Light
When you enter the giant ice cave you will immediately be captivated by the extraordinary atmosphere. Tour through this underground ice landscape takes about 50 minutes and offers you an exciting insight into the wonderful world of ice. As soon as you enter the cave you can feel the cool air, the constant temperatures of -2°C keep the ice formations stable all year round. The ice chapel, the King Ludwig Cathedral and the various ice cones, some of which are up to nine meters high, are particularly impressive. Newly staged light and sound shows artfully showcase the icy sculptures and enhance the magical atmosphere in the cave. During the tour you will not only experience the natural beauty of the ice, but also exciting productions: suddenly you can hear the roar of cave bears that used to live in these passages. A special highlight is the suspension bridge that leads over a deep abyss. This section of the tour requires icy nerves to enjoy the breathtaking view into the depths. This bridge and the subsequent walk over the thick ice floor of the cave convey an impressive feeling of the subterranean vastness.
The Mammoth Cave: A labyrinthine system of rock
In the immediate vicinity of the Giant Ice Cave is the Mammoth Cave, one of the largest karst caves in the world. The approximately one-hour guided tour through the Mammoth Cave takes you through extensive passageways and impressive karst formations that are the result of millions of years of geological processes. Unlike the cool, icy world of the Giant Ice Cave, the sheer size and complexity of the cave system is the focus here. The Mammoth Cave impresses with its mighty rock formations and the underground river systems that have dug their way through the rock. However, we don't find it nearly as exciting as the Ice Cave. During the tour you will learn more about the geological history of the cave and the forces that formed these enormous structures. The Mammoth Cave offers a fascinating contrast to the Giant Ice Cave and illustrates the diversity of geological phenomena in the Dachstein region.
Tips for your visit
A visit to both caves is absolutely worthwhile and gives you a comprehensive insight into the geological features of the Dachstein region. You should plan around 3 to 4 hours to visit both caves. It is advisable to start with the Giant Ice Cave, as the cool temperatures offer a refreshing start to the day. Afterwards you can explore the Mammoth Cave and marvel at the gigantic rock formations. The combined entrance ticket for both caves, which also includes the cable car ride, makes the visit a comfortable and well-organized experience. Don't forget to bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes, as the temperatures in the Giant Ice Cave are very low. The cave tours are suitable for families and offer exciting experiences for children too. You can also spend the waiting time before the tour at the Schönbergalm, where an exhibition on climate change, a children's adventure cave and other attractions await you.
Gastronomy directly at the caves
Directly at the Dachstein Caves, on the Schönbergalm middle station, is the “Restaurant Schönbergalm"Here you can take a break after the cave tour and fortify yourself with regional dishes. The restaurant offers a selection of hot dishes, snacks and drinks that you can enjoy in a cozy atmosphere. The traditional Austrian dishes are particularly popular and are perfect for fortifying yourself after exploring the caves.
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