The blatant attraction in Austria
In the Austrian holiday region of Schladming-Dachstein, one of the most glaring attractions in the country awaits tourists on the Dachstein Glacier. The so-called “Stairway to Nowhere” is a glass floor platform on which man “floats” 400 meters above an abyss. For years, the mountain has been increasingly converted into a world of adventure.
It’s only a few steps, but even hard-boiled adrenaline junkies are likely to get trembling in their knees. Because on the Austrian Dachstein glacier, on its steep south face, there is one of the most blatant tourist attractions in the entire Alpine region. Those who dare to climb the “Stairs to Nowhere” enter a glass floor platform that appears to be floating 400 meters above a yawning abyss.
There are only 14 narrow steps that lead to the platform via the “Stairs to Nowhere”, but they are really not for the faint of heart. Because both the railing and the floor of the panorama platform are made of glass. This can easily create the illusion, especially in anxious people, that you can fall into the depths with every next step. The attraction, which opened in 2013, is according to the official website of the Dachstein absolutely safe.
The highest suspension bridge in Austria
Because a total of 63 tons of steel and concrete were used in the construction of the five-ton “Stairway to Nowhere”. However, only a fraction of this is accounted for by the stairs, because they are only part of another tourist superlative. Together with the spectacular viewing platform, Austria’s highest suspension bridge also opened in 2013, which in turn spans a distance of 100 meters at a height of 400 meters. In order to reach the “Stairs to Nowhere”, you first have to cross the bridge. For many, that alone is certainly thrill enough.
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The brave will be rewarded with an incomparable view of the Austrian Alps. When the weather is good, the view even extends to neighboring Slovenia, like the “Rheinische Postreported. At least as good is the panorama from another of the numerous sights with which the Dachstein Glacier attracts tourists. The so-called “Sky Walk” is also a viewing platform, but is “only” 250 meters high compared to the “Stairway to Nowhere”. But it is much more spacious than the platform by the stairs. Because it offers space for a maximum of four daring people at the same time.
Gondolas with outside balcony
A foretaste of the adrenaline kicks on the Dachstein awaits visitors on the trip up in the glass panorama gondolas. Within 10 minutes it overcomes 1000 meters in altitude, floating up to 250 meters above the ground. For the brave, there is even an open-air balcony on the roof of the gondola.
Families will also appreciate the one that opened in 2007 ice palace. Inside the glacier, a world of snow and ice awaits visitors. They can marvel at figures and columns made of frozen water at a depth of six meters. During their manufacture, according to “wheal“Chinese ice carvers specially flown in. Also on the portal tripadvisor the users are enthusiastic about Dachstein and its attractions such as the “Stairs to Nothingness”. “We did the full program. I recommend everything,” writes one. A second said: “What an experience! The view is unbeatable.” A third added: “An incredible view. Everyone needs to see that.”
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However, having fun on the Dachstein is not exactly cheap. If you want to go up and down with the gondola and also see all the sights mentioned above, you currently pay a whopping 52 euros as an adult. It’s a good idea to walk there, because the “Stairs to Nowhere” as well as the suspension bridge and the Ice Palace can be visited for only 10 euros in total. TRAVELBOOK insider tip: As an overnight guest you will receive one guest card for the Schladming-Dachstein region. With this you can take the gondola up for free once within seven days.
