5 Fingers is the main viewing point on the Krippenstein. Five narrow metal platforms jut out over a 400-metre-deep precipice, offering views of Hallstatt, Lake Hallstatt, Obertraun and the surrounding mountains.

Each platform measures 4 × 1 metre and admission is free. You only pay for the cable car.

How did I find it here?

A lot!

The 5 Fingers may well be one of the most touristy viewpoints in the whole of Austria, but those views! They’re well worth the crowds.

I’d definitely recommend it.

If you zoom in a little, you’ll also get a lovely view of the centre of Hallstatt itself.

How to get to 5 Fingers

The lower station of the cable car is in Obertraun, about a 10-minute bus ride from Hallstatt. To get to 5 Fingers, you’ll need to take the first two sections of the cable car:

• Obertraun – Schönbergalm
• Schönbergalm – Krippenstein

At Schönbergalm, you’ll change to another cable car and continue up to an altitude of 2,100 metres. From the top station, it’s about a 20–30-minute walk to 5 Fingers.

The path is well signposted and, although you’re walking quite a way downhill from the cable car (and then back uphill along the same route), the elevation gain isn’t particularly steep.

The path is quite easy to walk on and can even be managed with an all-terrain pushchair.

On the way, you’ll pass the World Heritage View, which offers a view of the Dachstein Glacier. A short detour will also take you to the World Heritage Spiral. I’d recommend adding this on the way back, as it won’t significantly extend the whole trip.

How much does the cable car cost?

The Dachstein Panorama-Ticket is all you need for the trip to the 5 Fingers. The ticket includes a return journey on all three sections of the cable car, even though you’ll only use the first two to reach the viewing point.

The prices listed below apply when purchasing online via the official website or GetYourGuide.

If you buy your ticket at the ticket office, you’ll pay around 1,50 eur more.

• Adult: 46,70 eur
• Child: 25,70 eur

If you also want to visit the Giant Ice Cave and the Mammoth Cave on the same day, the All-in-One Ticket costs 66,20 eur for an adult and 36,40 eur for a child.

We visited both caves during our trip. Next time, I’d choose just the Giant Ice Cave and use the time saved to go for a longer walk around Krippenstein. I enjoyed the Mammoth Cave far less than the views from the top.

How much time to allow

For a quick visit to 5 Fingers, you’ll need about 2 hours from the time you arrive at the lower station. A more sensible allowance is 3 hours, during which you’ll have time to enjoy the viewpoint without rushing and also visit the World Heritage Spiral.

• 5 Fingers only: about 2 hours
• 5 Fingers and other viewpoints at the summit: about 3 hours
• One cave and 5 Fingers: at least half a day
• Both caves and 5 Fingers: a whole day

When to go

The first cable car leaves at 8.40 am. There tend to be fewer people at the viewpoint in the morning, so you won’t have to wait for the viewing platforms to clear so you can take photos.

During the peak of summer, you can take the cable car from the valley up to 5 Fingers by 5.00 pm at the latest. In spring and autumn, you’ll need to set off by 3.00 pm. Make sure you allow enough time for the half-hour walk back to the cable car station as well.

• Cable car timetable

Is it worth going in bad weather?

The view is the main reason for visiting. If the top station is hidden in the clouds, you may find nothing but a white wall waiting for you at the top.

I wouldn’t take the cable car in such weather 46,70 eur and would instead choose one of the caves at Schönbergalm.

Even on a sunny day, take a jumper or a light jacket with you. Krippenstein is 1,600 metres higher than Lake Hallstatt and it’s often windy on the open plateau.

Bus and parking

A bus runs from Hallstatt to the lower station about once an hour. Take bus 543 towards the cable car and bus 544 back. The journey from the Hallstatt Lahn stop takes about 10 minutes.

The car park is located directly in front of the lower station. All-day parking from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm costs 5 eur and the first hour is free.

I describe this in more detail in the article on Dachstein Krippenstein.

Where to stay near 5 Fingers

The Lodge am Krippenstein boasts the most convenient location, right next to the top station.

In the morning, you’ll be right on the ridge and avoid having to make the trek up from the valley. On arrival, make sure you catch the last cable car reserved for guests staying at the lodge.

In Obertraun, I recommend Landhaus Lilly, from where you can walk to the lower station in about 15 minutes.

Find accommodation in Obertraun

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hallstatt.