Nature · Action
Dachstein Ice Palace & Suspension Bridge
Half day · from 1 person, also great for families · from 61 €8,3 km
There are days out you never forget — and then there's the Dachstein. In just a few minutes, the panoramic gondola carries you up from the Türlwandhütte to 2,700 metres, straight into a world of eternal ice. In the Ice Palace you wander through glittering halls filled with intricate ice sculptures, deep inside the glacier and sheltered whatever the weather. Outside, the thrills await: Austria's highest suspension bridge, the Stairway to Nothingness with its 400-metre drop below, and the Sky Walk with its magnificent panorama. A half-day trip that combines wonder, adventure and alpine romance — and all just a good half-hour's drive from Schladming.
What awaits you
The ride up is an experience in itself: the Dachstein Gletscherbahn carries you to 2,700 metres in a spectacular panoramic gondola. Once at the top, step into the Ice Palace and immerse yourself in a still, blue-shimmering world of ice sculptures — just a few minutes' walk from the mountain station and sheltered inside the glacier. If it's thrills you're after, venture onto Austria's highest suspension bridge and on to the Stairway to Nothingness, a glass platform with a 400-metre drop below. The Sky Walk rounds off the summit experience with a sweeping alpine panorama. Allow around two to four hours for your visit on the mountain.
Prices & opening times
The 2026 summer season runs from 9 May to 8 November, daily from 8:00 am to 5:20 pm. The combo ticket (return ride incl. Ice Palace, suspension bridge and Stairway to Nothingness) costs € 73,– for adults; children born 2011–2020 pay € 37.50. The return ride alone starts at € 61,– (children € 30.50). Important: in summer, a fixed seat reservation for the gondola is compulsory (plus € 2.90 booking fee) — it's best to book early online at tickets.derdachstein.at. With the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, one return ride is included from two overnight stays. As of July 2026.
Getting there from Schladming
By car, you'll reach the valley station at the Türlwandhütte in around 25 to 30 minutes: via Ramsau am Dachstein and up the Dachsteinstraße to the glacier cable car. The toll for the access road is waived for cable car guests, and parking is available right at the valley station. If you're travelling without a car, take the regional bus towards Ramsau/Dachstein Gletscherbahn — current timetables are available from the Schladming-Dachstein tourism region. Tip: combine your trip up with a stroll around the Türlwandhütte, where several lovely walking trails set off at the foot of the mighty Dachstein south face.
Insider tips
Book your gondola ride online as early as possible — you'll not only secure your fixed seat but often an early-booking discount too. The clearest views are usually in the morning, and a glance at the webcams and operating information before you set off is always worthwhile, as the cable car may not run in stormy conditions. Pack warm clothing and sturdy shoes: at 2,700 metres, temperatures often hover around freezing even at the height of summer. Dogs may ride along on a lead and wearing a muzzle (€ 8,–), but must wait outside the Ice Palace and the suspension bridge.
The Dachstein in winter
The glacier is a rewarding destination in the colder months too: the Ice Palace lies sheltered within the ice, making it perfect for bad-weather days and winter outings. Around the mountain station, glittering snowfields await, winter walkers and cross-country skiers trace their lines across the glacier plateau, and the view over the snow-covered Alps is arguably even more spectacular than in summer. Do note that individual attractions such as the suspension bridge may be closed at short notice in storms or heavy snowfall — daily operating information is available at derdachstein.at.
- Ice Palace with ice sculptures in the heart of the glacier
- Austria's highest suspension bridge with a 400 m drop below
- Summer season 9 May to 8 November 2026, daily 8:00 am–5:20 pm
- Panoramic gondola up to 2,700 m
Tip: Reserve your gondola ride in advance at tickets.derdachstein.at — seat reservations are compulsory during the summer season. In stormy conditions the cable car may not run, so check the webcams and operating information beforehand.
Getting there: Approx. 25–30 min by car via Ramsau to the valley station of the Dachstein Gletscherbahn (Türlwandhütte).
Price: Return ride € 61,–, combo ticket incl. Ice Palace, suspension bridge & Stairway to Nothingness € 73,– per adult; children (born 2011–2020) € 30.50 / € 37.50. Online seat reservation compulsory in summer (plus € 2.90 booking fee). As of July 2026
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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location & directions.
8,3 kmas the crow flies from winter.gartenGoogle Maps ↗
frequently asked questions.
How much does the trip up the Dachstein cost?
The return ride costs € 61,– per adult, and the combo ticket incl. Ice Palace, suspension bridge and Stairway to Nothingness € 73,–. Children (born 2011–2020) pay € 30.50 or € 37.50 respectively (as of July 2026).
Do I need to reserve the gondola ride?
Yes, a fixed seat reservation for the gondola is compulsory during the summer season. It's best to book early online at tickets.derdachstein.at (plus € 2.90 booking fee per person).
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, the gondola ride and Ice Palace are a highlight for families with children too. The suspension bridge is fully secured, and discounted tickets are available for children.
Are dogs allowed up the Dachstein?
Yes, on a lead and wearing a muzzle (ticket € 8,–). Dogs are not permitted in the Ice Palace or on the suspension bridge, however.
What happens in bad weather?
The Ice Palace lies sheltered inside the glacier and is an experience even in snowfall or fog. In stormy conditions, however, the cable car may not run — check the webcams and operating information at derdachstein.at before setting off.
How much time should I allow?
Plan for a half-day trip: around 25–30 minutes' drive from Schladming plus two to four hours on the mountain for the Ice Palace, suspension bridge, Stairway to Nothingness and Sky Walk.
