We found ourselves overnighting in Ramsau am Dachstein last year on our way back from Southern Styria to Munich. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't propitious for exploring the glacier. This year we are planning another fall trip to Austria: 8 days in Seefeld in Tyrol and 8 days in Vienna. I'm wondering if it's worth it to cut each part short by one day to fit in a trip to Dachstein. We'd go by train to Salzburg and rent a car for 2 days, then drive to Ramsau, back to Salzburg and the train onward to Vienna. Am I right that this would be worthwhile, or would be get the same views, if not the glacier experience, in Seefeld? If it matters, we're in our '80s but still avid hikers (although we prefer 10 ks or less, and 3-4 hours max).
Incidentally, I found the advice on this forum for our last trip invaluable. So, thanks in advance!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19690 posts
In 2009, I was in Hallstatt wanting to go to Innsbruck, so I took a local train from Obertraun to Stainach-Irdning where I picked up an express train, I believe it was an RJ, from Vienna to Innsbruck. That same train goes through Schladming, which is right next to Ramsau.
I'm not sure that Schladming would be large enough to have a car rental place, but rather than go all the way to Salzburg to rent a car, I would look at stops along that route, from St. Johann in Pongau (or Bischofshofen) to Stainach-Irdning, as a place to pick up or turn in a rental car for a shorter drive. St. Johann is a major resort and there might be a car rental place there.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1657 posts
Honestly since you have been in the region I would go elseware. We went up and it was nice. Cold and snow in October. Had to book times for the Bergbahn. No glacier in Seefeld, but you can get to 2000 meters. Icy cold and super windy in December when we were there. You might try the Friedensglocke in Mösern too. https://www.foto-webcam.eu/webcam/moesern/ I'm reaching 70 and as much as I would like to go back to my favorite places, I strive to find/go to new. Each to their own. I'm working my way through these webcam places: https://www.foto-webcam.eu/webcam/map/
Posted by
NYC area
3145 posts
We went up the Dachstein Cable car in Ramsau am Dachstein in early Dec. years ago. Maybe the best mountain experience at the top we’ve ever been to. That day was mild for winter. Walk the stairs, suspension bridge, ice palace plus the views are incredible. I’d go if it wasn’t a good day when you were there last time.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
6065 posts
When you say fall trip, when exactly are you going? I ask because I would coordinate my mountain days with an Almabtrieb - the festival where cows come down from the mountains decorated with flowers and fanfare. The one in Ramsau is our favorite and we have been multiple times. This year it is Sept. 26.