Dachstein

The Dachstein massif is a rugged limestone range in central Austria, its three highest peaks marking the borders of Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg. Seen from the north the mountain wears a crown of glaciers, while the southern side plunges almost vertically to the valley floor. The massif covers about 600 square kilometres and holds dozens of summits above 2,500 metres, the highest reaching 2,995 metres. Its karst landscape is riddled with large caves such as the Mammuthhöhle and Hirlatzhöhle, and the Eisriesenhöhle draws visitors to its frozen chambers. The Dachstein limestone formed in Triassic times and preserves abundant fossils, including the giant clams called megalodonts. Three glaciers remain on the northern flanks: the Hallstätter, Großer Gosau and Schladminger. Measurements show the Hallstätter glacier alone has retreated more than a kilometre since 1908, and scientists expect the ice to vanish within decades. Climbers first reached the summit in 1834 via the Gosau glacier, guided by Adam and Peter Gappmayr. The sheer southern face was conquered in 1909 by the Steiner brothers, and winter ascents began in 1847. On fine days up to a hundred mountaineers may crowd the route, while the southern cliffs drop precipitously to the valley below.