Five Fingers, Austria

Five Fingers, Austria is located on the Dachstein plateau, above the village of Obertraun, and a short distance from Hallstatt. The surrounding area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, shaped by open alpine scenery, water, rock, and a strong sense of space.

For families, this location works particularly well: you get impressive mountain scenery without long, demanding hikes. Everything feels big and open, yet still accessible-an important combination when travelling with children.

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Access to Five Fingers, Austria is only possible via the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car. The lower station is located in Obertraun and includes a large, well-organised car park, which immediately simplifies logistics for families. From arrival to boarding, the process is clear: ticket purchase, cable car access, and well-marked directions.

Public transport using a combination of train and bus is possible, but it requires careful planning and strict timing. For families travelling with children and equipment, the conclusion is straightforward: yes, renting a car is more convenient than not having one. It offers flexibility, reduces stress, and allows you to adjust plans based on weather and energy levels.

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The Dachstein Krippenstein cable car is divided into three clearly defined sections, each serving a different purpose.

The first section provides access to Dachstein Ice Cave (Eishöhle) and Mammoth Cave.
The second section is the most relevant for families and leads directly to the walking path for Five Fingers, Austria as well as the World Heritage Spiral (Welterbespirale).
The third section continues higher into alpine terrain with additional hiking options that are not essential for a standard family visit.

Transfers between sections are straightforward, signage is clear, and staff presence helps keep the experience smooth even when travelling with children.

The platform is made up of five metal arms, each offering a slightly different experience. One features a glass floor for a controlled adrenaline moment, another includes a dedicated photo frame, while the remaining fingers use metal grid or open flooring.

Beneath the platform is a drop of roughly 400 metres, creating a strong sensation of floating above the lake and valley. On clear days, views extend across Hallstatt, Hallstätter See, and layered mountain ridges in the distance. Light conditions change constantly, altering the colours of both water and rock throughout the day.

From the upper cable car station, the walk to Five Fingers takes approximately 20-30 minutes each way. The path is wide, well maintained, and mostly fine gravel, with gentle gradients suitable for children aged 5-6 and older.

Along the route, benches and intermediate viewpoints allow for short breaks, photos, and time to adjust to the altitude. The return walk includes a mild uphill section and feels slightly more demanding, especially toward the end.

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In addition to the main platform, the area offers several additional viewpoints along the walking paths. The most notable is the World Heritage Spiral (Welterbespirale), a modern spiral structure with open views towards Hallstätter See and the surrounding Dachstein landscape.

There are also quieter side viewpoints with benches and space to pause, take photos, or enjoy a short break. These spots tend to be less crowded and often feel more relaxed than the main platform.

The Dachstein Ice Cave (Eishöhle) and Mammoth Cave are located near the first section of the cable car. Entry is only possible with a guided tour, and visits involve stairs, narrow passages, and constant movement.

Temperatures inside range from 0 to -3°C, even in summer, and strollers are not permitted. From first-hand experience, children aged 7-8 and older often find the caves fascinating, but warm clothing and proper footwear are essential.

The principle is simple: the viewing platform itself is free, and payment is required only for the cable car.

The Panorama Ticket, which covers all cable car sections, costs approximately €45-46 per adult and €25-26 per child during the summer season.
The All in One Ticket, which includes the cable car as well as access to the Dachstein Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave, costs around €64-66 per adult and €35-36 per child. Family packages are available and can be practical for larger groups.

If caves are not part of your plan, the Panorama Ticket provides full access to the viewpoints and is generally sufficient for most families.

Winter view from Five Fingers: snow-covered viewpoints and visitors taking photos with the Austrian Alps in the background.

Near the upper cable car stations, there are mountain restaurants offering hot meals, desserts, and drinks. Simple meal combinations, such as Kaiserschmarrn with cable car packages, work well for families and help keep the schedule relaxed.

Clean and accessible toilets are available at the cable car stations, which is especially important when visiting with children. A realistic visit lasts 3-5 hours, while including the caves usually extends the visit to half a day.

Summer and early autumn are the most practical seasons for families. During these months, walking paths are accessible, cable car operations are stable, and the overall experience is easier to manage with children.

That said, mountain weather changes quickly. Sunshine in the valley does not guarantee clear conditions at the top, and fog can appear or disappear within minutes.

A black alpine bird perched on the railing of Five Fingers, with the mountains fading into the blue distance behind it.

Advantages: the walking route is accessible, the scenery is dramatic, and the experience combines nature with a manageable level of adventure. Children who are not interested in museums often find this type of landscape far more engaging.

Limitations: wind and cold are common even in summer, crowds build up during peak periods, and the route is not suitable for strollers. The return walk includes a mild uphill section, which can feel tiring after time on the platform.

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I always check cloud cover one to two hours before going up. Even on sunny days in the valley, fog can close the view within minutes. Waiting 20-40 minutes at the top often pays off when conditions suddenly improve.

I go early in the morning whenever possible. Wind is usually weaker, photo queues are shorter, and children feel more relaxed on the platform.

I start with the glass-floor “finger” first. Early in the day it’s calmer and easier to manage with kids. Later, this section attracts the longest waits.

I dress in layers, even in midsummer. At 2,100 metres, temperatures and wind feel very different from the valley. A light windproof jacket makes a noticeable difference, especially for children.

I skip the ice caves if time or weather is limited. They are cold, involve many stairs, and take energy. For most families, the open viewpoints deliver a stronger overall experience.

I choose the Panorama Ticket unless caves are a priority. The viewing platform itself is free, and paying only for the cable car keeps the visit simple and efficient.

I plan lunch during peak daylight hours. Midday light is harsher for photos, so eating at the mountain restaurant at that time works well.

I save energy for the return walk. Walking out feels easy, but the gentle uphill section on the way back is more noticeable, especially for children.

I always use a rental car in this area. Parking at Dachstein Krippenstein is straightforward, and flexibility is invaluable when travelling with children and changing mountain weather.

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From my own visits to Five Fingers, Austria, the experience begins well before reaching the platform. The cable car ride itself sets the tone, lifting you quickly from the valley into an open alpine landscape where scale and quiet become part of the attraction. For families, this transition works particularly well, building anticipation without physical strain.

What stands out most is the balance between drama and accessibility. You feel real height and exposure, yet the paths remain wide and controlled, allowing children to participate at their own comfort level. Some families spend ten minutes on the platform, others an hour-both approaches work here.

Weather is the main variable. Wind and clouds can change the atmosphere within minutes, which is why flexibility matters more than strict timing. I’ve learned that patience is often rewarded; a short wait can completely transform the view.

Five Fingers works best as a highlight, not a race. Combined with a relaxed pace, a simple mountain lunch, and an easy lakeside walk afterward, it becomes a complete family experience-impressive without being exhausting.

A paraglider soaring over the Dachstein mountains – pure freedom above alpine ridges and deep-blue lakes.