Special winter experiences in snow and ice

• The Dachstein glacier world combines an Ice Palace, Sky Walk, suspension bridge and Stairway to Nothingness.
• The Ice Palace lies inside the Dachstein Glacier and was created in 2007.
• Gipfelwelt 3000 on the Kitzsteinhorn includes panorama platforms, National Park Gallery and Cinema 3000.
• The Kitzsteinhorn summit station is at 3,029 metres.
• The Zugspitze Igloo Village stands on the Zugspitzplatt at about 2,600 metres.
• Hunderfossen in Norway combines a seasonally redesigned snow hotel with a winter park.

Some destinations focus on ice and glaciers; others combine views, information and architecture. On the Dachstein, the Ice Palace leads into an exhibition inside the glacier, while the Sky Walk looks out across the mountains. The attractions are close to the summit station but involve different access: the Ice Palace can only be reached via the suspension bridge. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are part of planning a visit at this alpine altitude.

On the Kitzsteinhorn, Gipfelwelt 3000 combines viewing platforms with indoor spaces. The National Park Gallery runs through a tunnel in the mountain and uses several stations to explain the nature, history and technology of the Hohe Tauern. Cinema 3000 features a film about the Kitzsteinhorn’s natural environment, plants and wildlife. Views and context for the alpine surroundings are part of the same visit.

At the Zugspitze Igloo Village, snow becomes a designed living space. It has stood on the Zugspitzplatt since winter 2004/05. The village is rebuilt each year and melts in spring. Overnight stays and an igloo restaurant serving cheese fondue are part of the concept. At about 2,600 metres, a short walk through snow makes this experience different from a night in a valley hotel.

At Hunderfossen, near Lillehammer, ice and snow art shape the Snow Hotel and Winter Park. The Snow Hotel receives a new theme and design each year; the first facility opened in 2008. It is accompanied by an ice cathedral and a winter park with seasonal activities. The four destinations offer distinct experiences: glacier knowledge on the Dachstein, insight into the national park on the Kitzsteinhorn, igloo architecture on the Zugspitze and ice worlds in Norway. The specific facility determines what visitors see and do on site.

In Rofan, the Adlerhorst viewpoint and Airrofan sky glider are separate attractions; Adlerhorst is open only for summer visits. Other winter experiences include snow and ice art and the seasonal art space of ICE CAMP on the Kitzsteinhorn.

Other special winter experiences include the snow treasure hunt at the Gamsleiten Kriterium, balloon flights over the winter Alps and the now-concluded SnowpenAir in the Jungfrau region.

Prepared natural ice, with access depending on changing conditions, can be experienced at Lake Weissensee in Carinthia, where circular tracks and skating routes are adapted to each winter’s conditions.

On dog-sled tours in Swedish Lapland, guests can ride with a guide or, after instruction, lead their own team. Multi-day offers may include caring for the dogs and overnight stays.