Day trip Schladming & Dachstein from Kreischberg — glacier, city & panorama
Vanuit Kreischberg bereik je in ongeveer anderhalf uur een van de spectaculairste berggebieden van Steiermark: Schladming – Dachstein. Hier combineer je een levendig Alpenstadje met de indrukwekkende Dachsteingletsjer, waar je op circa 2.700 meter hoogte midden tussen rotsen, sneeuw en verre bergpanorama’s staat.
For a first day trip, the Dachstein is the absolute highlight. The panoramic gondola takes you up in about ten minutes to a world featuring the Sky Walk, suspension bridge, Stairway to Nothingness, and the Ice Palace. Those who still have time and energy afterwards can end the day in the center of Schladming or on the Planai.
In short
- 📍 Afstand: ca. 1,15 – 1,45 uur rijden, afhankelijk van bestemming
- 🚗 Accessibility: car recommended; Schladming and Dachstein are not located in the same place
- 🏔️ Highlight: Dachstein Glacier at approx. 2,700 m with Sky Walk, suspension bridge, and Ice Palace
- 🎟️ Murau GästeCard: not valid here (outside the region)
- • 👨👩👧 Suitable for: nature lovers, families, and active vacationers, plan a full day
From Kreischberg to Schladming – Dachstein
Distance and travel time
Schladming is located approximately 75–90 kilometers by car from Kreischberg, depending on the chosen route. Allow about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 45 minutes for a one-way trip. To reach the Dachstein gondola, drive further from Schladming towards Ramsau am Dachstein and the Dachsteinstraße.
A car is the most practical choice
For a day trip from Kreischberg, the car is by far the most convenient. Public transport is possible, but due to transfers and travel time, it is less suitable if you want to combine Schladming and the Dachstein in one day.
Important: Schladming and the Dachstein are two destinations
The panoramic gondola to the Dachstein does not depart from the center of Schladming, but from the valley station above Ramsau am Dachstein. Therefore, please allow for extra travel time between Schladming and the Dachstein valley station.
Highlight 1 — Dachstein Glacier: to 2,700 meters
The highest point of Styria
At 2,995 meters, the Dachstein is the highest mountain in Styria. The panoramic gondola takes visitors to an altitude of approximately 2,700 meters. The ride up alone is an experience: at the top, a high-alpine landscape awaits that contrasts sharply with the green valleys around Kreischberg.
Book your gondola in advance
In the summer, a fixed reservation for the Dachstein gondola is mandatory. Therefore, book a time slot online in advance, especially in July, August, and during sunny weekends. On the day itself, also check the current weather and the status of the attractions.
Opening 2026
In 2026, the Dachstein gondola runs daily from 08:00 to 17:20 from May 9 to November 8. The main attractions at the mountain station are open daily from 09:00 to 16:15.
Highlight 2 — Sky Walk, suspension bridge & Stairway to Nothingness
Sky Walk — the balcony of the Alps
The Sky Walk is located close to the mountain station and offers a virtually unobstructed view of the Dachstein Massif and the surrounding Alps. On clear days, the panorama extends exceptionally far.
The highest suspension bridge in Austria
The Dachstein Suspension Bridge runs high above the rock face and offers views down approximately 400 meters. At the end, the Stairway to Nothingness awaits: fourteen narrow steps to a glass platform that literally seems to hang above the abyss.
For whom?
The attractions are particularly suitable for visitors who have no problem with heights. Good shoes and warm clothing are important, even in the middle of summer.
Highlight 3 — Ice Palace: inside the glacier
A world of ice
The Ice Palace lies a few meters beneath the glacier ice. Through corridors and rooms, you walk past ice sculptures, columns, and a crystal-like dome. This makes it a unique addition to the outdoor viewpoints.
Combine with the suspension bridge
The Ice Palace is only accessible via the suspension bridge. A visit to the suspension bridge, Stairway to Nothingness, and Ice Palace is therefore usually done as a single combination.
Practical tip
Even when it is summery warm down in Schladming, it can feel cold, windy, and wintry at 2,700 meters. Bring a warm layer and sturdy shoes.
Highlight 4 — Schladming: Alpine town at the foot of the Planai
Back to the valley for a moment
After a visit to the Dachstein, Schladming is a pleasant place to end the day more quietly. The compact center has shops, cafes, restaurants, and terraces and is situated directly at the foot of the Planai.
Planai for views and families
Do you still have time, or would you prefer less high-alpine adventure? Then the Planai is a good alternative. The 10-person gondola takes you up comfortably. At the top, you will find panoramic walks, mountain huts, and Hopsiland, a large play area with climbing, water, and play stations for children.
Not everything in one day
Visiting both Dachstein and Planai extensively on the same day is ambitious. For a first visit, we recommend Dachstein as the main activity and Schladming as a relaxing conclusion. With young children, however, Planai/Hopsiland might actually be the better main choice.
With children — Dachstein or Hopsiland?
Dachstein for older children
The panoramic gondola, snow, and the Ice Palace often appeal enormously to children. However, the suspension bridge and Stairway to Nothingness are less suitable for children who have a fear of heights or have difficulty with steep and open structures.
Hopsiland on the Planai
For younger children is Hopsiland a more accessible choice. On the Planai, there are play stations featuring climbing structures, slides, a ball track, and a water world, among other things. This allows you to experience an active mountain day without the high-alpine conditions of the glacier.
Practical tips for a day in Schladming – Dachstein
Leave early
If you want to go to the Dachstein, preferably choose an early time slot. You will then have more room for the attractions at the top and still have time left for Schladming later in the day.
Check the mountain weather
The weather on the Dachstein can be completely different from that in the valley. Check the current glacier report, webcam, and weather forecast before departure. In poor visibility, a significant part of the attraction is lost.
Book the gondola
A fixed gondola reservation is mandatory in the summer. Book this in advance. Access to the suspension bridge, Stairway to Nothingness, and the Ice Palace is offered separately; check which components are included in your ticket when booking.
Dachsteinstraße and toll
A toll applies to the mountain road to the Dachstein valley station. According to official information, the toll is included when using the gondola. Have your toll ticket validated at the mountain station before driving back down.
Murau GästeCard
The Murau GästeCard is not valid for attractions in the Schladming – Dachstein region. The Schladming – Dachstein Sommercard is another regional guest card and is only included at participating accommodations in that region.
Choose your main activity
For a one-day trip from Kreischberg, a clear choice works best: Schladming – Dachstein for panorama and culture, or Planai/Hopsiland + Schladming for a more relaxed family day.
