Hoher Dachstein

The Hoher Dachstein is the highest peak of the Dachstein massif in the Northern Limestone Alps of Austria, with a summit elevation of 2,995 metres.

Visitors encounter a limestone massif with glaciers, high plateaus and a network of alpine trails, via ferrata routes and cable car access on the northern side. Popular visitor attractions include show caves such as the Dachstein Ice Cave and the Mammuthöhle, plus panoramic viewing platforms and glacier viewpoints.

The Dachstein massif has a long mountaineering and alpine sport tradition; tourism infrastructure including cable cars and marked routes developed in the 20th century to serve climbing and skiing visitors. Its karst landscape and historic salt-mining connections helped form the adjacent Hallstatt-Dachstein cultural landscape.

Located on the border area between the Austrian states of Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg, the Dachstein massif lies within the Northern Limestone Alps and is accessible from towns such as Hallstatt, Ramsau and Obertraun.

• Elevation and UNESCO Status: The main summit reaches 2,995 metres and the area is part of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
• Access and Viewpoints: Via ferrata routes, cable cars and marked trails provide access to high viewpoints; the Sky Walk and viewing platforms are concentrated on the northern approaches.

What to See #

• Summit: The summit plateau and main peak at 2,995 metres form the highest point of the Dachstein massif and a popular objective for climbers and ski tourers.
• Glacier and Plateaus: Dachstein Glacier and the high karst plateau host glacier skiing and mountaineering routes, with accessible viewpoints and alpine huts.
• Caves and Tourist Sites: Show caves near the massif include the Dachstein Ice Cave and the Mammuthöhle (Mammoth Cave), open to visitors seasonally with guided routes into limestone chambers.