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Dachstein giant ice caves

A region with world­wide recognition

In 1997, the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut region became listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In their explanation for adding it to the illustrious circle of worldwide cultural heritage sites, with all the accompanying global prestige, the World Heritage Committee cited:

„The Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut region in Austria is an outstanding example of a natural landscape of great beauty and scientific interest which also contains evidence of early and unbroken human economic and cultural activity. The cultivated landscape is a testimony to harmonious interaction between humankind and environment.“

Dachstein giant ice caves

As one of the largest cave systems in the world, the Dachstein caves are internationally known and include three giants: the Dachstein giant ice cave – the largest underground ice landscape in Central Europe, the extensive Mammoth cave and the Koppenbrüller cave with its amazing stalagmites and stalactites.

 

More than 65 kilometers of explored underground passages through the mountain connect these three imposing. During a guided tour you can hike almost one kilometer of these passages, and admire all three caves staged with light and sound games.

Höhle
Koppenbrueller cave (c) DAG
Hängebrücke
Rope bridge (c) DAG Hofer
Dachstein Krippenstein Seilbahn
Dachstein Krippenstein cable car (c) DAG Schoepf
Dachstein Hai
Dachstein shark (c) DAG
Rieseneishöhle
Giant ice caves (c) DAG Hofer

Attractions in the Dachstein region

A special worldwide appreciation - that's what the Dachstein World Heritage Site deserves, according to the UNESCO Committee. With its cave systems and the unique ecological flora and fauna, the landscape of the Dachstein region is a nature park of international recognition. In addition to the giant ice cave and the mammoth cave, the Dachstein region has many other (natural) treasures that you should discover during your vacation:

  • World Heritage Museum
  • Ossuary
  • Archaeological sites
  • Hallstatt skywalk
  • Hallstatt Salzwelten
  • and many more ...

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Exploring Hallstatt ...

Our tip: Hallstatt with a difference

Let a local tour guide take you through the World Heritage Site: On this somewhat unorthodox tour, you will gain insights into a variety of the Hallstatt World Heritage Site’s treasures. Our tour starts off with a taste of a choice of salts mined on-site in Hallstatt. We will stop by several local artisan’s workshops. Of course, the tour will also include a taste of this and that delicacy and be a journey of the “spirit” (or two). At the end of the tour, a selection of Austrian specialties awaits at a restaurant right on the lake shore to provide a perfect finish. During the tour, you will be treated to a couple of friendly surprises and there will be a small parting gift for you to take home with you. Ideal for small groups of 6 or more; rates upon inquiry, please book at reception.

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