Obertraun (Austria)
Obertraun in short
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Height: 513 metres
Obertraun lies at an altitude of 512 metres, at the foot of the 2,995-metre-high Dachstein. This elongated village lies on the south-eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt and, with just over 700 inhabitants, is the smallest village in the UNESCO region Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. Small, but lively! Traditions and music are incredibly important, and events dedicated to both take place regularly. During a winter holiday in Obertraun, you can ski on the slopes of the snow-sure Dachstein Krippenstein ski area.
Obertraun: an attractive town with a rich history
Obertraun's history goes back many years. In the Middle Ages, it was mainly inhabited by woodcutters who cut wood for the brewery in Hallstatt. This wood was then transported via Lake Hallstatt and the river Traun. Names like 'Holzhackerwand' and 'Holzknecktloch' still refer to this past. Obertraun only became known to tourists when the Dachstein Rieseneishöhle (Giant Ice Cave), Mammoth Cave and Koppenbrüller Cave were discovered in 1910.
Winter sports in the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Obertraun is located in a picturesque valley formed by the river Traun. The area around Obertraun has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This has everything to do with the fact that the landscape has played an important role in human history. Salt was mined here as early as prehistoric times, and the salt mines continued to be essential for the area's prosperity until the mid-20th century. If you spend your winter holidays here, try to venture into the surrounding area and learn about its centuries of culture, history and traditions.
Skiing on the slopes of Dachstein Krippenstein or Dachstein West
On the outskirts of Obertraun, the Dachstein Krippensteinbahn I&II provides access to the very snow-sure ski area Freesports Arena Dachstein Krippenstein. This ski area is known for its extensive off-piste offer (over 30 km of off-piste variants). Moreover, it boasts an 11 km long valley run, which is also the longest run in Austria. There are also 12 km of groomed slopes while children can enjoy two children's areas. In the nearby ski area of Dachstein West (+/- 20 km drive), you can enjoy more than 50 kilometres of slopes.
Cross-country skiing in Obertraun
Those who want to explore the area around Obertraun on cross-country skis will find plenty of opportunities to do so in classic or skating technique. There is a 20-km route starting in the village, which takes around 3 hours (163 metres altitude difference). On the Gjaid-Alm, there is a 1,2 km long trail, which takes you less than half an hour (37 metres altitude difference).
Winter hiking in Obertraun
The UNESCO World Heritage Site around Obertraun calls to be discovered - either in regular hiking shoes or on special snowshoes. From the village, you can access an extensive hiking network with clearly marked trails. Tips include the 5 km-long Höhenweg and the 4 km route along the river Traun. You can also opt for a trip with a guide.
Winter sports with children in Obertraun
Obertraun is an ideal destination for winter sports with children. The area is like a large outdoor playground, where there is plenty to do every day. Child-friendly accommodation is available, and right at the valley station of the Dachstein Krippensteinbahn cable car, there is an extensive children's area for those first curves in the snow. On the mountain, children can visit the Adventure Park.
Highlight: the 5fingers viewing platform
Do you enjoy heights? Then be sure to visit the 5fingers viewing platform on the Krippenstein Plateau. Once at the top, you'll understand the platform's name immediately. The steel structure rises 400 metres above the landscape like a hand. Needless to say, this destination is not recommended for those afraid of heights. You can also reach the platform on snowshoes in about an hour's walk.
Getting to Obertraun
Obertraun is about a 1400 km drive from London. If the traffic is good, this will take about 15 hours. Don't forget to buy a vignette in Austria! The nearest airport is Salzburg, just over 80 km away. The village has its own train station.