Dachstein Krippenstein: Ice Cave, Five Fingers and Which Cable-Car Ticket to Choose
4 min read
Dachstein Krippenstein is a separate mountain excursion in Obertraun, not a quick stop in Hallstatt village. The cable car uses sections: section 1 reaches Schönbergalm and the cave area; section 2 continues to Krippenstein for Five Fingers; section 3 runs towards Gjaid and the plateau.
The two useful ticket types
The All-in-One Ticket, from €68.60, has 91 reviews and is the natural choice when the Giant Ice Cave is the reason for going. The Panorama Ticket, from €47.60, has 24 reviews and suits a day focused on the upper mountain and viewpoints. According to its booking page it covers the ascent and descent on all three cable-car sections; guided tours and anything away from the cable cars cost extra, so the cave visit is not part of it.
Ice Cave logistics
The Giant Ice Cave is reached from section 1 and can only be visited with a guide. The official tour lasts about 50 minutes. Allow additional time for the cable car, approach and guided departure rather than reducing the visit to “50 minutes”. Warm layers and suitable footwear matter on a mountain day.
Five Fingers
Five Fingers is linked to section 2. The official walk from the Krippenstein mountain station takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way. Snow and ice can close the platform even while the cable cars and other facilities operate, so check its status on the day.
Season changes the answer
In the 2026 summer season, sections 1 and 2 and the Giant Ice Cave operated from 1 May to 1 November. Winter operation follows a different schedule, and the ice cave is not simply a winter attraction because it contains ice. Always check current operating status, not merely the season name.
Who should book what
Pick All-in-One for the cave plus mountain combination and allow most of the day. Pick Panorama when the views and an easier-to-adjust outdoor plan matter more. Neither ticket removes weather, path or last-descent constraints.
Recommendation
For a first summer visit in stable weather, the All-in-One ticket gives the clearest combination of cave and panorama. If clouds hide the high views or you do not want the cave, the Panorama product is simpler. Do not buy solely from the name: verify sections and daily status before travelling to Obertraun.
