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Dachstein Hiking World
Pioniercross and the Heilbronner cross tour
The
extensive karst plateau of the Dachstein Hiking world accommodates
plenty of enjoyable hiking routes for all levels. A network of well
groomed nature trails and footpaths covers the area from the valley
station at Obertraun to the high-altitude ice-fields. Our nature trails
are designed to introduce their users to exciting information about the
surrounding plateau, fauna and flora. Typical plateau features are the
omnipresent karst patterns which result from water dissolving the
(Dachstein) limestone. Characteristic karren and funnel-shaped
sinkholes (dolines) - which formed prior to the Ice Ages - cover the
rugged surface.
Dachstein-Krippenstein ropeways
The Dachstein World Heritage is accessible
via three cable car sections. The first section leads from the
Obertraun valley station to the Schönbergalm, starting point for the
trips to the caves. The second section connects with Krippenstein
mountain, more than 2.000 m high, which features an outstanding view of
the Dachstein glacier and the karst plateau. The third section leads
downhill to the splendid ‘Gjaidalm', an alpine pasture and starting
point for many interesting hiking destinations. The
Krippenstein-ropeways will be reconstructed and adapted in 2007. New
passenger carriages will replace the old ones and newly designed
terminals are part of the modifications to be finished at the end of
2007.
Heilbronner cross tour
The Heilbronner trail is particularly
suitable for families and children fond of hiking. On the recently
adapted wide hiking trail many features arouse curiosity and travelling
with baby buggies is possible all way. The circular trail leads to the Heilbronner Cross, memorial place to 13 persons falling victim to a mountain tragedy in 1954. A trip to the ‘cattle footprints', site of great fossils, is particularly informative and rewarding.
"Five Fingers"-viewpoint
The ‘Five Fingers' are the absolute highlight of the newly staged Krippenstein Hiking world. 5fingers-shaped, this platform is constructed on the edge of a sheer mountain cliff drop-off, above an abyss, more than 400m deep.
This platform consequently ranks among the most spectacular viewpoints
across the Alps. Five stages (fingers), 4x1m, make for outstanding "insights and outlooks".
One stage is made of glass; another "finger" provides a baroque-like
frame in order to take special World Heritage photos of Hallstatt. A
trampoline - albeit not accessible - on the third stage symbolizes
unlimited mountain freedom. The forth stage is looped in order to allow
the ultimate vertical drop gaze.
Finally the fifth finger is provided with a long-glass (free of charge) to enable viewers to behold the splendid Salzkammergut mountain scenery at close range. The platform is illuminated until midnight to then be noticed even from distant places. The convenient 15 minutes walk to the view platform (close to the Pioneer Cross) is suitable for almost all visitors.
Nature Trail
The
recently established Nature trail on the Dachstein plateau is an
important component of the World Heritage Hiking world. This trail
travels across the karst plateau and "lures" with pristine high alpine
scenery. Along the trail karst patterns highly impress as well as the
wide variety of fauna and flora and the easternmost glacier of the
Alps. The convenient Dachstein Nature trail features catered mountain
lodges (locations where both culinary refreshment and accommodation is
offered) within 2 hours walking distances from each other
The surrounding nature reserve is part of "Natura 2000", the ecological network in the territory of the EU, and of World Heritage site "Hallstatt-Dachstein-Salzkammergut". The convenient trail, 8 km long, is suitable for everyone and introduces to distinct local features via informative boards containing texts about geology, fauna and flora common to the plateau.