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The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform in the Dachstein Mountains of Upper Austria is a free attraction, but the cable car ride to get there is not. The platform is about 400 metres above the ground and is named 5 Fingers because of its hand-like shape. It offers spectacular views of the mountains, Lake Hallstatt, and the village of Hallstatt. The best way to get to 5 Fingers is by taking a taxi from Hallstatt, which costs $25–$31 and takes 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Line 543 bus and cable car, which takes 39 minutes and costs $33–$35.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Dachstein Mountains, Upper Austria |
| Address | Mount Krippenstein, Obertraun |
| Distance from Hallstatt | 8 miles |
| Travel options from Hallstatt | Line 543 bus and cable car, taxi |
| Travel time from Hallstatt | 39 minutes (bus and cable car), 25 minutes (taxi) |
| Travel cost from Hallstatt | $33-$35 (bus and cable car), $25-$31 (taxi) |
| Cable car ticket price | €35 (panoramic ticket), €48.20 (Dachstein Salzkammergut ticket) |
| Cable car waiting time | 15 minutes |
| Cable car travel time | Less than 30 minutes |
| Cable car station to 5 Fingers walking time | 25 minutes, less than 20 minutes |
| Other attractions | Ice caves, Mammut cave, Koppenbrüller cave, Welterbespirale viewing platform, the Shark viewing platform, rock climbing, walking trails, paragliding, a museum, a restaurant, guesthouses |
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What You'll Learn
Getting to Five Fingers on a clear day
Five Fingers is a free viewing platform in the Dachstein Mountains of Upper Austria, on Mount Krippenstein. It is about a 15-minute drive from Hallstatt, in the small town of Obertraun.
The best way to get to Five Fingers on a clear day is to take the cable car from the Obertraun valley station. The Dachstein Salzkammergut ticket costs €48.20 per person for a return journey. The cable car ride is followed by a 25-minute walk to the Five Fingers platform. The entire journey is expected to take less than half an hour.
If you are travelling from Hallstatt, you can take a taxi to Five Fingers, which will cost $25-$31 and take 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the line 543 bus and cable car, which will take 39 minutes and cost $33-$35.
It is recommended that you visit Five Fingers on a clear day, as clouds or fog will obscure the view. It is also advisable to visit Five Fingers first, as it is the furthest attraction, and queues can slow you down later in the day.
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The cable car from Obertraun valley station
The cable car ride from Obertraun valley station to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform is not cheap. The Dachstein Salzkammergut ticket costs €48.20 per person for a return trip and includes sections 1, 2, and 3. If you have the Salzkammergut card, you can get a small discount on the ticket. However, some people have mentioned that it is not worth buying this ticket as there is not enough time to see everything that it includes.
Instead, you can buy the Panorama Ticket if you are short on time and only plan to visit the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform. This ticket costs €35 and includes a return trip on the cable car and entry to the ice caves, 5 Fingers, and a few other things.
It is recommended that you start your visit to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform in the morning, as the cable car only runs until 5:00 pm. Additionally, a clear day is ideal for visiting the platform as you would not be able to see anything in front of you if it is foggy or cloudy.
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The walk from Krippenstein Station
The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform in the Dachstein Mountains of Upper Austria is a spectacular viewing platform that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is located on Mount Krippenstein and is named "5 Fingers" due to its hand-like shape. The viewing platform is easily accessible from the Krippenstein Station of the Dachstein cable car line. Here is a detailed guide to the walk from Krippenstein Station to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform:
Once you arrive at the Krippenstein Station, you will need to walk uphill for approximately 20 minutes to reach the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform. The walk is relatively straightforward and well-marked, but it is important to note that it is uphill, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Along the way, you will pass a beautiful chapel set in nature and the Krippenbrunn Lodge, a cozy mountain hut serving traditional Austrian dishes.
Directions:
- From Krippenstein Station: Start your journey from the Krippenstein Station of the Dachstein cable car line.
- Uphill Walk: Follow the signs or a map to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform. The walk should take around 20 minutes.
- Chapel and Krippenbrunn Lodge: Along the way, you will pass a picturesque chapel and the Krippenbrunn Lodge, offering stunning views and traditional Austrian cuisine.
- Final Approach: As you get closer to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform, you will notice the unique hand-like shape of the structure.
Tips:
- Check the Weather: It is recommended to visit on a clear day as low visibility due to fog or clouds can hinder the viewing experience.
- Dress Appropriately: It can get chilly at the viewing platform, especially if you plan to visit the Ice Caves, so make sure to dress warmly.
- Allow Enough Time: Plan your trip to ensure you have enough time to explore the platform and return to the cable car station before it gets dark, especially if you are relying on public transportation.
- Consider the Crowds: If you want to avoid crowds and long queues, consider visiting early in the morning or during off-peak seasons.
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The bus and cable car from Hallstatt
The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform is located in the Dachstein Krippenstein mountain complex, about 7 km southeast of Hallstatt. To get there from Hallstatt, you can take Bus 543 (Obertraun Dachstein Seilbahn) to the cable car base station. The bus stop in Hallstatt is in front of the supermarket in the lower part of the city, and the bus ride takes about 15 minutes. From there, it's a short cable car ride and an approximately 1- to 1.5-hour hike to the viewing platform.
The bus tickets are inexpensive, at less than €3 per person each way, and the buses come every 45 to 60 minutes. It is recommended to check the schedule in advance. The cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and the hike itself is not too difficult, but the altitude and cold can be challenging.
The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform is known as the "World Heritage View Point" and is considered one of the most spectacular viewing platforms in Austria. It is located at an altitude of approximately 2,700 meters (8,860 feet) above sea level. The platform is shaped like a hand with five fingers, protruding from a sheer rock face. Each finger is approximately 4 meters (13 feet) long, and one of them has a glass floor. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Dachstein Mountains, Hallstatt Lake, and the Salzkammergut region below.
The Lodge at Krippenstein is the only place to stay near the Mountain Station. They offer a panorama suite for four people with a private pine sauna. Masks are mandatory in the cable car and station area.
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The taxi from Hallstatt
The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform is a spectacular viewing platform in the Dachstein Mountains, about 15 minutes' drive from Hallstatt. The platform is free to access and offers incredible views of the mountains, Lake Hallstatt, and the town of Hallstatt. It is named 5 Fingers because of its hand-like metal structure, with each "finger" being approximately 4m long.
If you are coming from Hallstatt, it is important to follow the signs to the Dachstein Mountain to find the car park and the entry point for the cable car. The cable car ride offers a thrilling experience, with panoramic views of the surrounding area. However, those afraid of heights may find it a bit scary as the car sometimes rocks back and forth when it brakes.
In addition to the viewing platform, there are several other attractions in the area, including an ice cave, a mammut cave, the Koppenbrüller cave, the Welterbespirale viewing platform, the Shark viewing platform, rock climbing, walking trails, paragliding, a museum, and guesthouses. Tickets for these attractions can be purchased individually or combined.
It is recommended to allow at least 3 hours for the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform, especially if you plan to explore the other attractions in the area. The salt mine tour, for example, takes about 45 minutes, but allowing for the funicular and a walk, it is recommended to allocate 90 minutes for this activity.
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Frequently asked questions
Access to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform is free. However, you have to pay for the cable car from Obertraun valley station to the platform. The Dachstein Salzkammergut ticket costs €48.20 per person for a return journey. The panoramic ticket, which includes cable cars up and down, and entry to the ice caves, costs €35.
The best way to get to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform without a car is to take the line 543 bus and cable car, which takes 39 minutes and costs $33-$35. You can also take a taxi, which is the fastest and cheapest option, costing $25-$31 and taking 25 minutes.
It takes approximately 39 minutes to get to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform from Hallstatt, including transfers. The cable car ride is less than half an hour, followed by a 25-minute walk to the platform.
