Your day on the Dachstein Glacier
The Dachstein Glacier - a natural spectacle of a special kind that you shouldn't miss during your vacation. Find out how I planned my day on the Dachstein and what tips I can give you in this blog post.
I'm really looking forward to the day, because today is the highlight of my vacation in the Schladming-Dachstein region: a trip to the Dachstein. At 2,995 meters above sea level, the Dachstein is the highest peak in Styria. It is probably one of the most impressive and beautiful excursion destinations around Schladming, because so high above the clouds, freedom simply feels limitless.
The day starts early. After a hearty breakfast, I make my way to the Planai valley station, because from there the bus takes me comfortably to the valley station of the Dachstein Glacier Lift. Once there, I don't have to search for a parking space and can head straight for the gondola.
IMPORTANT: For the ride on the Dachstein panorama gondola, you should book a fixed seat online in advance between May and September. This way you avoid long waiting times and are guaranteed to get to the Dachstein glacier.
The ascent with the panorama gondola
Luck is probably on my side today, because I caught the gondola with the open-air balcony. But even the gondola without the balcony offers a perfect panoramic view of the world that lies at your feet during the ascent thanks to its all-round glazing. I have to admit that I feel a little dizzy as everything below me gets further and further away and I get closer to the sky. After about 10 minutes and a large portion of fresh mountain air, I reach the mountain station (and I'm a little glad to have solid ground under my feet again).
Half Dome Globe
The Half Dome Globe right in the waiting area at the valley station of the Dachstein Glacier Lift impressively conveys the fact that climate change is a global phenomenon that affects not just individual regions, but the whole world.
The spherical installation uses an interactive projection to show you environmental data, scientific figures and content from social media in real time.
The Sky Walk
My first destination on my to-do list today is the Sky Walk. I have already marveled at the incredible view in the pictures I looked at before. But when I stand on the viewing platform, I can hardly believe my eyes: A mighty mountain massif presents itself below me and the peaks around me seem close enough to touch. It's a sight I won't forget in a hurry.
Suspension bridge and stairs to nowhere
I continue to the famous suspension bridge. It certainly lives up to the motto "thrills with a view", because as I take my first steps onto it, a 400-metre-deep abyss opens up beneath me. But the strong steel cables around me give me security and I enjoy the impressive mountain panorama and the view of the rocks of the Dachstein massif.
At the other end of the suspension bridge is my next destination, the "Stairway to Nothingness". And as I haven't had enough adventure today, I venture down the 14 narrow steps. But it's definitely worth it, because on the glass platform at a dizzying height, I once again catch a breathtaking view into the distance.
The ice palace
After so many thrills, I'm glad that a somewhat quieter part of the program is next: the Ice Palace. Hidden deep beneath the thick ice of the glacier is a mystical world of snow and ice, which the "Up to the Mountains" exhibition shows me. The mighty ice sculptures, which are set in scene with lots of colorful lights, are a very special eye-catcher and definitely worth a visit.
Tip: Walk to the Seethalerhütte
In the wonderful weather, I decide to take a short walk to the Seethalerhütte. On the one-hour hike along a well-maintained path, I see the mighty mountains from a completely different perspective. I am also particularly fascinated by the Seethalerhütte, which was rebuilt between 2016 and 2018.
The Dachstein ladder to heaven
The absolute highlight is the Dachstein sky ladder, which provides a special adrenaline rush . Twelve steps lead up to a glass platform, from where a breathtaking view of the Dachstein opens up.
If you want to capture this unforgettable moment forever, you can take a unique photo snapshot home with you.
Rest at the glacier restaurant
Back from my walk and before returning to the valley, I want to fortify myself in the glacier restaurant, which is located directly in the Dachstein Gletscherbahn mountain station. The restaurant invites you to linger with its cozy atmosphere and great views, and the menu leaves nothing to be desired. My eventful and unforgettable day comes to an end here.
I really enjoyed my day on the Dachstein glacier and hope that you have at least as good a time up there thanks to my tips.
