Dachstein natural wonders

The Dachstein Mountains surrounding Hallstatt feature a dramatic karst landscape shaped by ice and water. This selection highlights the region's geological diversity, including the Hallstätter Glacier—the largest in the range—and the Großer Gosaugletscher. The area is home to extensive cave networks like the Hirlatzhöhle and powerful water features such as the 95-meter Waldbachstrub waterfall in the Echerntal valley. These landmarks offer a direct look at the glacial history and alpine topography of the UNESCO World Heritage region.

Dachstein Natural Wonders — Map

Friedrich Simony / Public domain

A

Hallstätter Glacier

The Hallstätter Glacier is the largest glacier in the Dachstein Mountains.

Hora5700 / CC BY 4.0

B

Großer Gosaugletscher

One of the primary glaciers on the Dachstein massif, notable for geological evidence of the transition to the post-glacial period approximately 10,000 years ago.

C

Kaiser Franz Josef Förderstollen

Historic salt mine transport tunnel named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, part of the extensive mining heritage and brine pipeline system in the Hallstatt region.

D

Hirlatzhöhle

The Hirlatzhöhle is a cave in the Dachstein massif in the municipality of Hallstatt in the Upper Austrian part of the Salzkammergut.

E

Waldbachstrub

Dramatic 95-meter-high waterfall in the Echerntal valley where the Waldbach, Lauterbach, and Mühlbach streams converge.

Hubertlz / Public domain

F

Niederer Dachstein

High-altitude peak in the Dachstein massif with an elevation of 2,934 meters.

Tigerente / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Taubenkogel

The Taubenkogel is a 2,301-metre high peak in the Dachstein Mountains of Upper Austria, northeast of the Hallstätter Glacier.

H

Niederes Kreuz

Mountain peak in the Dachstein range reaching 2,651 meters, located in the vicinity of the Hallstätter Glacier.

I

Geisswände

Steep limestone rock faces rising above the Echerntal valley, characteristic of the region's rugged karst topography.

J

Schleierfall

Waterfall in the Echerntal valley characterized by a thin, veil-like cascade over the limestone cliffs.

K

Waldbachstrub

Impressive waterfall in the Echerntal valley where three mountain streams meet and drop 95 meters over the rock face.

L

Schneelochgletscher

Small glacier situated in the high-altitude terrain of the northern Dachstein Mountains.

M

Schutzhöhle

Natural cave formation located in the limestone massif overlooking the town of Hallstatt.

N

Kessel

Periodically active karst spring and cave located on the western shore of Lake Hallstatt.

Other Lists

Hallstatt Unmissables Hallstatt Heritage Sites Christian Heritage Sites Hallstatt Viewpoints and Peaks