Anyone who has ever experienced the sunrise in the Alps knows that it's worth getting up early for.
When the sky slowly changes from dark blue to gold and the snow begins to sparkle, it's a moment you won't soon forget.
Here are three viewpoints in Austria where you can experience the sunrise in winter.
Dachstein Sky Walk – Ramsau am Dachstein (Styria)
The Dachstein Sky Walk is located at an altitude of approximately 2,700 meters. The glass platform offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Here's how to get there:
Take the Dachstein gondola to the mountain station at Hunerkogel. From there it's just a few meters to the platform.
Tip: Dress warmly, especially in the morning it's freezing cold up here. The light is most beautiful shortly after 7 a.m., when the sun first touches the peaks.
Brunschkopf viewing platform – Seefeld in Tirol
The viewing platform at Brunschkopf is located in the middle of the winter forest above Seefeld at an altitude of around 1,510 meters.
When the sun rises over the Karwendel mountains, the landscape is bathed in soft light, offering a view over the Wildmoossee lake and the Seefeld high plateau.
Here's how to get there:
From the parking lot at Wildmoossee or from Mösern, a well-prepared winter path leads to the platform in about 45 minutes.
Tip: Bring a thermos of hot tea and start early. In winter, the lake is often covered by a thin layer of fog, which makes the light particularly atmospheric.
5 Fingers – Krippenstein / Obertraun (Upper Austria)
The 5 Fingers platform rises over 400 meters above the valley and offers an impressive view.
When the sun rises over Lake Hallstatt, the entire landscape glows in golden tones.
Here's how to get there:
Take the Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car to the mountain station, then walk for about 20 minutes to the platform.
Tip: Be sure to pack warm clothes and gloves – the wind can be strong up here. It's best to arrive around 7 a.m., when the first light hits the lake.
It only takes a little willpower to get up early, but the moment the sun rises over the snow-covered mountains makes you forget all the effort.
So: pack your headlamp, make some tea, secure your mobile phone – and just set off.
