Schladming-Dachstein: Dachstein Glacier, Highlights and Travel Tips
The Schladming-Dachstein region is located in Styria and is best known for its Dachstein Glacier, which sits at an altitude of 2,700 metres and is part of Styria’s highest mountain. Take in spectacular views and let yourself be impressed by this breathtaking natural scenery. On clear days, you can look out over Austria’s beautiful mountain ranges all the way to the peaks of the Czech Republic. This is a destination you definitely won’t forget anytime soon.
Experiences and Activities
A range of exciting experiences awaits you in Schladming-Dachstein. Many highlights are located around the Dachstein Glacier and the Dachstein massif, offering plenty of variety. Book a spot on the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car or explore the Dachstein Suspension Bridge. The Dachstein Stairway to Heaven and the Stairway to Nothingness are also well worth seeing. Other top attractions include the Ice Palace and the Skywalk.
Dachstein Glacier Cable Car
The Dachstein Glacier Cable Car rewards you with wonderful views on your way up to the Dachstein massif. Glide high above the ground and get closer to Styria’s highest mountain than ever before. The fully glazed panoramic gondola gives you an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy incredible views of this imposing mountain and feel as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Tip: If you want to make sure you don’t miss out, you can book your gondola slot in advance. Tickets are available on the Schladming-Dachstein website. Please note that the road to the Dachstein Glacier Cable Car is subject to a route toll (also known as a special toll). If you take the cable car, the fee for using the Dachstein Road is waived. To do so, you must validate your toll ticket at the Dachstein mountain station. If you do not take the cable car, you will need to pay the special toll. You can find more information about the Dachstein Road in our guide.
Dachstein Stairway to Heaven
The cable car isn’t the only way to enjoy a one-of-a-kind view—the Dachstein Stairway to Heaven is another highlight. Climb the twelve steps up to a glass platform. From here, you can look far down into the depths and out into the distance, enjoying spectacular views of the Dachstein. Be sure to take a photo at this unique spot! One more note: sturdy footwear and warm clothing are recommended, as you’ll be at high altitude. You can reach the Stairway to Heaven via the panoramic terrace of the Dachstein glacier restaurant.
Dachstein Suspension Bridge
In addition to fantastic views, the Dachstein Suspension Bridge also offers a little thrill. After all, who can say they’ve looked out at the Dachstein from a suspension bridge this high up?
This experience promises not only breathtaking views into the distance, but also straight down into the depths. It’s no coincidence that the Dachstein Suspension Bridge is Austria’s highest suspension bridge. Once you’ve stepped onto the bridge and overcome your nerves, there are 400 metres of open depth beneath you. This attraction combines an exceptional mountain panorama right in front of you with the Dachstein mountain massif under your feet. The bridge also leads directly to the next highlight on the Dachstein: the Ice Palace.
Before you head to the Ice Palace, be sure not to miss the Stairway to Nothingness. Located at the end of the Dachstein Suspension Bridge, it takes you in just a few steps onto a glass platform at dizzying height. The Stairway to Nothingness offers a unique chance to stand right next to the rock face and get even closer to the Dachstein mountains. Dare to take on this almost intimidating adventure and you’ll be rewarded with a view that most people will never see—an experience you’ll definitely talk about afterwards. Please note that dogs are not allowed on either the suspension bridge or the Stairway to Nothingness.
Ice Palace
The Ice Palace makes you feel as if you’re entering a new world where anything is possible. Explore the mystical realm of eternal ice and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the exhibition “Explore the Glacier”. Here you can discover different facets of the glacier and admire impressive figures and ice columns. You can reach the Ice Palace in no time—from the cable car via the suspension bridge. Please note that dogs are not allowed here either.
Sky Walk
The Sky Walk also offers thrills of a special kind, letting you take in the mountain panorama from an incredible height. Right beneath your feet, you can see the 250-metre sheer rock face of the Hunerkogel—without having to climb it. The Sky Walk is made of glass as well, so nothing blocks your view. If you’re lucky and conditions are excellent, you may even be able to see as far as the Hohe Tauern, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. The Sky Walk isn’t the only thing worth doing, though—the circular trail around the cable car’s mountain station is also recommended. Along the way, you can admire the impressive Dachstein south face and the beautiful Alpine peaks. You can also take a relaxing break by sitting down in one of the cosy beach chairs.
Outdoor and Sports Activities
In addition to the activities mentioned above, Schladming-Dachstein is known for its wide range of hiking routes, which bring you closer to Austria’s nature. You can follow the trails on your own or join guided tours. Nordic walking is also very popular in this region. Besides day hikes, you can also go on multi-day trekking tours. In addition, you can head out on climbing trips or explore the landscape by mountain bike. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can also try rafting or canyoning.
And it’s not only in summer that you can enjoy activities in Schladming-Dachstein—winter is great too. The ski season begins in early December with a real highlight: a music event you won’t want to miss. From 05/12/25 to 07/12/25, the Backstreet Boys will open the new ski season. After that, you can truly kick off your ski holiday and explore the so-called 4-Mountain Ski Swing. What does that mean? The special thing about Schladming-Dachstein is that you don’t have to choose just one mountain—you can switch between four. The 4-Mountain Ski Swing connects Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm, making your ski experience unforgettable. There’s something here for everyone!
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Schladming-Dachstein depends on what you want to do. If you’d like to explore nature in pleasant temperatures and get to know the Dachstein massif better, summer is ideal for a trip to Schladming-Dachstein. If, on the other hand, you want to see the region in its winter guise and improve your skiing skills, you should visit in winter. And don’t forget the special music event at the start of the ski season!
If you’re travelling to Austria for a new ski adventure, you can also discover more ski areas in our guide that are just as worth seeing.
The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip!
We wish you a wonderful trip to Austria and lots of fun on your exploration tour of Schladming-Dachstein. Please remember to inform yourself about toll regulations in Austria. You can find more information about tolls in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip more easily and to see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us at any time via email.
