Dachstein

The Dachstein, in the Salzkammergut, is perhaps the most varied mountain group in the Northern Alps. This gigantic karstic massif, with a steeply scarped north face, consists of a series of mighty peaks 2,000-3,000m/6,600-9,900ft high, sharply profiled; the highest of the Dachstein group is Hoher Dachstein (2,995m/9,830ft). Between the mountains are embedded large glaciers, including the Grosse-Gosau and the Hallstätter glaciers.

South of the Salzkammergut (named after the salt (Salz) which has been worked here since time immemorial), on the borders of Styria, the mountain region begins. The Dachstein group, with its limestone peaks rising to 3,000m/9,800ft and its great glaciers, extends into three Austrian provinces - Salzburg and Styria as well as Upper Austria. In its northern foothills can be found the famous Dachstein Caves, one of the province's outstanding tourist attractions.