Schladming-Dachstein

The Schladming-Dachstein region is located in Styria and is best known for its Dachstein Glacier, which sits at an altitude of 2,700 m and is part of the highest mountain in Styria. Enjoy a spectacular view and let yourself be impressed by this breathtaking natural scenery. Gaze across Austria's beautiful mountain ranges all the way to the mountain peaks of the Czech Republic. A destination you definitely won't forget any time soon.

Exciting Activities

Schladming-Dachstein offers a range of fascinating experiences. These are centred around the Dachstein Glacier and the Dachstein Massif and promise plenty of variety. Book a place on the Dachstein Glacier Railway or explore the Dachstein Suspension Bridge. Also worth seeing are the Dachstein Stairway to Heaven and the Stairway to Nothingness. The Ice Palace and the Skywalk are also highlighted as special attractions.

Dachstein Glacier Railway

The Dachstein Glacier Railway promises you a wonderful view on the way to the Dachstein Massif. Float high above the ground and get closer to the highest mountain in Styria than ever before. The fully glazed panoramic gondola gives you the unforgettable opportunity to catch an incredible glimpse of the imposing mountain and feel as though you've entered another world.

Tip: If you want to make sure you don't miss this experience, you can book your gondola seat in advance. Tickets can be found on the Schladming-Dachstein website. Please note that the road to the Dachstein Glacier Railway is subject to a route toll (also known as a special toll). If you travel on the glacier railway, the fee for using the Dachstein Road is waived. To benefit from this, you must validate your toll ticket at the Dachstein mountain station. However, if you do not use the glacier railway, you will need to pay the special toll. Further information about the Dachstein Road can be found in our guide.

Dachstein Stairway to Heaven

But it's not just the glacier railway that promises a one-of-a-kind view — the Dachstein Stairway to Heaven does too. Follow the twelve steps up to a glass platform. This platform lets you gaze far down into the depths and into the distance, offering you a spectacular view of the Dachstein. Whatever you do, don't forget to take a picture for the ages at this unique location! And one more tip: good footwear and warm clothing are recommended when visiting the Stairway to Heaven, as you will be high up in the mountains. You can reach the Stairway to Heaven via the panoramic terrace of the Dachstein Glacier Restaurant.

Dachstein Suspension Bridge

The Dachstein Suspension Bridge guarantees you not only a wonderful view but also a little thrill. After all, who can claim to have looked out at the Dachstein from a suspension bridge this high up?

This experience promises not only incredible views into the distance, but also straight down into the depths. It's no wonder that the Dachstein Suspension Bridge is Austria's highest suspension bridge. Once you're on the suspension bridge and have overcome your inner fears, there are 400 m of sheer depth beneath you. This attraction combines the unique view of the mountain panorama right before your eyes with the Dachstein mountain massif beneath your feet. The suspension bridge also leads you directly to the next highlight of the Dachstein — the Ice Palace.

But before you head to the Ice Palace, make sure you don't miss the Stairway to Nothingness. The Stairway to Nothingness is located at the end of the Dachstein Suspension Bridge and takes you in just a few steps to a glass platform at a dizzying height. The Stairway to Nothingness offers you the unique opportunity to stand directly beside the rock face and get even closer to the Dachstein mountains. Embrace this almost awe-inspiring adventure and you will be rewarded with a view that most people will never see. An experience you will certainly be telling others about. Please note that dogs are not permitted on either the suspension bridge or the Stairway to Nothingness.

Ice Palace

The Ice Palace gives you the feeling of entering a new world where anything is possible. Explore the mystical world of eternal ice and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the exhibition "Explore the Glacier". There you can discover the various facets of the glacier and marvel at impressive sculptures and ice columns. Within a very short time, you can get from the glacier railway via the suspension bridge to the Ice Palace. Please note that dogs are not permitted here either.

Sky Walk

The Sky Walk also promises thrills of a special kind and lets you take in the mountain panorama from an incredible height. Directly beneath your feet, you can see the 250 m vertically dropping rock face of the Hunerkogel — without having to laboriously climb it first. The Sky Walk is also made of glass, ensuring not a single angle is blocked from your view. If you're lucky, in very good weather conditions you can even see as far as the Hohe Tauern, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. But it's not just the Sky Walk that's worth the visit — the circular trail around the mountain station of the glacier railway is too. If you choose this route, you can admire the impressive Dachstein south face and enjoy views of the beautiful Alpine peaks. You can also take a wonderful break along this route by sitting in one of the cosy beach chairs.

Sporting Activities

In addition to the activities mentioned above, Schladming-Dachstein is also known for its wide range of hiking routes that will truly bring you closer to the nature of Austria. You can follow the hiking routes on your own or take part in guided tours. Furthermore, Nordic walking is also very popular in this region! Besides day hikes, you can also embark on multi-day hiking trips. In addition to hiking, you can go on climbing excursions or explore the nature by mountain bike. Those who prefer something more adventurous can also try rafting or canyoning.

But it's not only in summer that you can enjoy activities in Schladming-Dachstein — winter has plenty to offer too. The ski season begins each year in early December, always with a real highlight: the music event of the year. In previous years, renowned artists have performed there, such as the Backstreet Boys in 2025.

After that, you can truly kick off your ski holiday and explore the so-called 4-Mountains Ski Carousel. But what does this 4-Mountains Ski Carousel stand for? What makes Schladming-Dachstein special is that you don't have to choose just one mountain — you can pick from four different ones. The 4-Mountains Ski Carousel connects Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen, and Reiteralm. This makes your skiing experience truly unforgettable! There's something for everyone in this ski region!

The Best Time to Travel

The best time to visit Schladming-Dachstein depends on the purpose of your trip. If you'd like to explore the nature at pleasant temperatures and get to know the Dachstein Massif better, summer is a wonderful time to travel to Schladming-Dachstein. However, if you'd like to see this region in its winter guise and improve your skiing skills, then you should visit Schladming-Dachstein in winter. Don't forget the special music event at the start of the ski season!

If you'd like to travel to Austria for a new skiing adventure, you can also discover more ski areas in our guide that are at least equally worth a visit.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a wonderful trip to Austria and lots of fun on your tour of exploration through Schladming-Dachstein. Don't forget to inform yourself about the toll regulations in Austria. Further information about the toll can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route calculator to plan your journey more effectively and have the relevant toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.