Dachstein Eispalast

Inside the Dachstein glacier at 2,700 meters, the Eispalast (Ice Palace) is an artificial grotto carved from the glacial ice and decorated with illuminated ice sculptures. It sits at the upper station of the Dachstein Gletscherbahn cable car alongside the Sky Walk glass viewing platform and the “Stairway to Nothingness” suspension bridge. The combination is genuinely dramatic. Temperature inside the Eispalast stays below freezing year-round, so bring a warm layer even in summer. The glacier itself is retreating visibly from year to year, which gives the whole visit an edge that most alpine attractions avoid. Access from Ramsau am Dachstein by cable car; Ramsau is reached by car or regional bus from Schladming. Plan a full half-day to take in the glacier platforms and cave systems.