Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, Natural monument and ice cave at 1406 meters elevation in Obertraun, Austria.
The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave is a natural ice cave near Obertraun at an elevation of about 1,400 meters, known for its massive ice formations. The interior stretches for two kilometers with ice structures reaching thicknesses of up to 20 meters.
The cave was discovered in 1897 by herders searching for lost livestock, and later explored by Hermann Bock and Georg Lahner in 1910. These early expeditions led to the first systematic documentation of the underground ice formations.
The cave belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut and displays layers from the ancient Tethys Ocean period. Visitors can observe how geological processes shaped this mountain region over millions of years.
Access is via the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to Schönbergalm station, followed by a short walk to the entrance. The cave is open year-round, but warm clothing is necessary due to cold temperatures inside.
The ice masses inside contain about 13,000 cubic meters of frozen water, with certain layers dating back approximately 500 years based on pollen analysis. This ancient ice offers insight into climate conditions from centuries past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
