Dachstein Krippenstein winter tour: Snowshoe trails at 2,100m

Snowshoe trails, a hand-shaped platform jutting over a gorge, and views of Hallstatt from the alpine ridge

A winter tour on the Dachstein Krippenstein at 2,100 meters with cable car access and a panorama ticket that lets you set your own pace on marked snowshoe trails. Visit the World Heritage Spirals observation platform, the 5 Fingers viewpoint deck suspended over a 400-meter drop, the Dachstein Glacier viewpoint, and the Heilbronner Chapel. Regional food and warming drinks are available in the mountain restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dachstein Krippenstein winter trails

• Redeem voucher at base station
• Ride cable car up the mountain
• Relax at World Heritage Spiral platform
• Visit 5fingers observation deck
• Walk themed path around Dachstein Shark
• Hike to Heilbronner Chapel viewpoint

The experience

Between one and eight hours on the mountain means you can spend a morning here or make it a full day. The panorama ticket is yours to use as you choose. The cable car carries you up all three sections to 2,100 meters, where the marked trails branch out across the alpine winter landscape. Snowshoes are recommended for most paths. The restaurant sits ready when you need to warm up and eat.

The World Heritage Spirals observation platform is the first stop, a place to sit on sunbeds and take in the views of the aluminum "ship" sculpture. From there, the 5 Fingers platform is the draw most people come for: five differently designed piers jut out like a hand over a gorge 400 meters deep, with views down to Lake Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut valleys. The Dachstein Glacier viewpoint sits near a giant "shark" sculpture. A short walk from there reaches the Heilbronner Chapel, which frames the glacier itself. Each stop is connected by snowshoe-friendly trails, and the whole circuit invites walking and photography at whatever pace suits you.

Children from age six are welcome. You'll need moderate fitness for the trails and your own hiking boots. Snowshoes, meals, and a guide are not included. The base station is reachable by public transport, and you redeem your voucher there before the cable car ride begins.

What’s included

• Panorama ticket for all three sections of the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car.
• access to marked winter trails.
• entry to the World Heritage Spirals, 5 Fingers viewpoint platform, Dachstein Glacier viewpoint, and Heilbronner Chapel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 to 62 years) · Senior (63 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Dachstein Krippenstein

Is this one for you?The one-to-eight-hour window means you can fit this into a half-day itinerary or spend a full day on the mountain without a guide dictating the pace. If you want to move slowly between stops, photograph each viewpoint, and rest in the restaurant, the flexibility works. If you need a structured schedule with a set endpoint, a guided tour would suit you better.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (6 to 14 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the 5 Fingers platform and why do people go there?

The 5 Fingers is the most spectacular viewing platform in the Alps, with five piers that extend out over a 400-meter gorge like a hand. It offers unique views of Lake Hallstatt and the inner Salzkammergut, and the height and exposure make it the main adrenaline draw of the mountain.

Do I need my own snowshoes, or are they provided?

Snowshoes are not included with the panorama ticket, so you'll need to bring your own or rent them separately before you arrive at the base station.

Can I eat on the mountain, or should I bring food?

The mountain restaurant serves regional specialties and warming drinks, so you can eat there. Meals are not included in the ticket price.

How much time should I plan for the whole tour?

The panorama ticket is valid for one to eight hours, so you control the pace: a morning visit or a full day both work depending on how many stops you want to linger at and how much you walk.

What is the World Heritage Spirals stop like?

The World Heritage Spirals observation platform offers views of a large aluminum "ship" sculpture and has comfortable sunbeds where you can sit and enjoy the panorama without rushing.