If you want to choose just one of the two caves near the Schönbergalm intermediate station, I’d recommend the Ice Cave. I’ve been on both tours and I liked this one much better.

The most interesting features are the illuminated ice walls and formations, which you won’t see anywhere else in the region.

The tour also includes a suspension bridge over a deep chasm, the skeletal remains of a cave bear, and fairly realistic models of the bears Ben and Boris. These might frighten younger children a little.

How the tour works

The cave can only be visited with a guide, and the tour itself lasts approximately 50 minutes. The route is 800 metres long, covers an elevation gain of around 80 metres, and involves climbing 500 steps.

During my visit, the temperature inside was around−2 °C. You should therefore bring a warm jacket and sturdy shoes, even in the middle of summer.

Tours are conducted in German and English.

• Duration of the tour: about 50 minutes
• Temperature: approximately −2 °C
• Length of the route: approx. 800 metres
• Elevation gain inside the cave: approx. 80 metres
• Number of steps: approximately 500
• Age restriction: none

Booking and tour times

After the first section of the cable car ride, you will alight at the Schönbergalm intermediate station.

Before heading to the cave, you must register at the cave ticket office to the left of the sliding doors.

The staff will assign you a group number and a specific tour time. Tours do not follow a fixed two-hour schedule but are organised on an ongoing basis depending on visitor numbers.

If you wish to visit both the Ice Cave and the Mammoth Cave, please mention this when you register. Allow approximately 3–4 hours for both caves.

If you also wish to continue to the summit of Krippenstein and the 5 Fingers viewpoint, allow at least 6 hours.

Admission fees and cable car tickets

Entry to the caves is sold as part of a combined ticket with the cable car. The standard prices for adults in the 2026 season are:

• The Dachstein Cave Ticket 50,20 eur includes a return journey on the first section of the cable car and a tour of the Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave
• Dachstein All-in-One Ticket for 66,20 eur includes all three sections of the cable car, both caves, Krippenstein and 5 Fingers
• Afternoon All-in-One Ticket for 62,20 eur includes all sections of the cable car and one selected cave

Standard tickets therefore include both caves, but you don’t have to visit them, of course. If the weather is nice, I think it makes more sense to combine the Ice Cave with Krippenstein and perhaps skip the Mammoth Cave.

Tickets are usually cheaper when purchased via the official online shop. However, even with an online ticket, you must still register at the cave ticket office upon arrival.

You can also buy the Online All-in-One Ticket viaGetYourGuide.

How to get to the cave

From the lower cable car station in Obertraun, take the first section of the cable car to the Schönbergalm intermediate station.

From the cable car, a short but fairly steep uphill path leads to the Ice Cave. It took me just under 10 minutes, though the operator estimates it will take 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to stay

The most practical base for visiting Krippenstein is Obertraun. In the morning, you’ll be at the cable car in a matter of minutes and you’ll avoid the traffic and the hassle of parking in Hallstatt.

The Seehotel am Hallstättersee is situated right by the lake, whilst families and larger groups may find the Dormio Resort Obertraun more suitable, with its apartments, chalets and swimming pool.

Find accommodation closest to the Krippenstein cable car

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hallstatt.