The local tax, also known as visitor's tax, is payable locally to the landlord; the amount depends on the resort and is between 1,00€ and 4,00€ per person per night. Children up to the age of 15 are usually exempt.
Dachstein circular hiking trail
The Classic - 9 days / 8 nights
- with luggage transfer
- start on arrival possible every day
At 2,995 metres, the main summit of the Dachstein Mountains is one of the highest elevations in the Northern Alps. The Dachstein is extremely formative for the emergence of the Salzkammergut. A large part of the Salzkammergut lakes are former glacial lakes of the Dachstein Glacier. With the first ascent of the Hohe Dachstein on 18.7.1834, the tourist success story of mountaineering in this region began. A little later, Friedrich Simony built the world's first via ferrata here. In the middle of the last century, the cable car was built. The tour described here also uses the cable car as an ascent aid. This tour harmoniously combines scenic highlights and differences in altitude. Look forward to a charming hiking trip through diverse landscapes and the encounter with a true "mountain personality"!
Highlights
- visit to the ‘World Heritage Site’ Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut with ‘Hoher Dachstein’ and Gosau
- high alpine hikes with glacier ascent
- hut experiences and magnificent views
- peace and quiet on lovely alpine pastures
- immerse yourself in a natural landscape characterized by formerly huge glaciers
The course of your hiking tour:
Day 1: Individual arrival in Gosau am Dachstein
The Gosau Valley is one of the greatest mountain areas in the Northern Alps and experiences its brilliant conclusion with the two Gosau lakes at the end of the valley. In 1997, this impressive region on the Dachstein was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
You will receive your detailed travel documents at the accommodation in Gosau. (1 night)
Day 2: On the ‘Bible Path’
The Gosaukammbahn quickly takes you to an altitude of 1,475 meters to the Zwieselalm, where a scenic path begins. After a few hundred meters you reach the so-called Bible Path, which leads below the Gosaukamm and over idyllically situated alpine pastures. On this way, precious Bible prints were smuggled at the time of the Counter-Reformation, hence the name "Bible Path". Over the alpine area of the Stuhlalm with a wonderful panorama and through the passage gate, the path makes a large arc around the most famous peak of the Gosaukamm mountain range, the Bischofsmütze. The destination of the day is the stately Hofpürglhütte on a panoramic terrace. (1 night) (Luggage transport from Gosau to Ramsau, where you will spend the night the following day. Luggage and hut sleeping bag for the overnight stay at the Hofpürglhütte are to be taken along by yourself!)
Hiking: approx. 4-5 hours (10 km, ascent 850 m in height / descent 860 m in height)
Day 3: Below the steep walls of the ‘Hoher Dachstein’
Lovers of bizarre limestone formations will get their money's worth today. First you follow the Salzburger Almenweg to the so-called Rinderfeld, a pasture covered by limestone blocks and landslide material. Through it winds a crystal clear mountain stream, which invites you to linger. Continue past huge rocks and climb to the "Tor" (German for “gate”), the highest point of today's stage. Here you also cross the Salzburg – Styrian border. The path runs directly below the steep walls of Torstein, Mitterspitz and Hoher Dachstein. You reach the hut Dachstein Südwandhütte, which - like an eagle's nest - lies below the steep south walls of the impressive Dachstein massif. Finally down to the Türlwand and into the mountaineering village of Ramsau on a plateau
(1 night ***hotel in Ramsau a. Dachstein).
Hiking: approx. 6 hours (12,5 km, ascent 895 m in height / descent 882 m in height)
Day 4: Hike (two variants) to the highest Alpine Club hut in Styria
The Guttenberghaus, hiking destination of the day, is located at 2,147 meters. The hut already celebrated its 100th birthday and has fortunately retained its rustic character. Located on a meadow hill, you can enjoy an impressive view of Ramsau and the Enns Valley at your feet, as well as the Lower and Higher Tauern opposite. (1 night)
(Luggage transport from Ramsau to Gröbming, where you will spend the night the following day. Luggage and hut sleeping bag for the night on the Guttenberghaus are to be taken along)
Variant 1
Hike (also recommended in bad weather) directly from the hotel in Ramsau with a view of the imposing Dachstein massif. The ascent via the Anton-Baum-Weg to the Guttenberghaus leads at the beginning through a sparse forest and later crosses a watercourse in front of the Lärchboden. In bends it goes further uphill, the path becomes narrower and the surrounding plants shorter. Ramsau comes back into view before the Alpine Club hut is reached.
Hiking: approx. 4-5 hours (6,5 km, ascent 1,044 m in height / descent 69 m in height)
Variant 2
Ascent with the Dachstein cable car (costs to be paid extra on site) to the mountain station at 2,687 meters. Over the Schladming Glacier, the hike runs in a wide arc over the rugged landscape of the Dachstein massif and the Feisterscharte to the Guttenberghaus.
Hiking: approx. 4-5 hours (9,5 km, ascent 264 m in height / descent: 861 m in height)
Attention: For variant 2 with the Dachstein cable car, it is absolutely necessary to reserve the ascent about a week in advance under www.derdachstein.at, as space is limited. Each guest is responsible for the reservation.
Day 5: High alpine hike and lovely alpine pasture area
The Guttenberghaus can be left over the northern slope of the Sinabell past rocks, mountain pines and gorges over the plateau "Am Stein". A barren rocky landscape dominates the first part of today's stage. Finally you get back down to meadows and forests. A break is now offered at the Grafenbergalm to let the lovely surroundings work their magic on you. The hike ends at a small collection of huts and inns at the foot of the Stoderzinken, one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains in the north of Styria. (1 night at Hotel Steiner Haus)
Hiking: approx. 6 hours (13 km, ascent: 552 m in height / descent 860 m in height)
Day 6: On forest trails and alpine paths to prehistoric rock carvings
From Stoderzinken it goes through beautiful larch forest and past pine trees to an ancient mule and smuggler's path. It winds its way through a 30-metre-high gorge, where there are ancient petroglyphs under the protection of UNESCO. A cozy hut stop should not be missed on the Viehbergalm. From the Hochmühleck, offering a beautiful view on the lonely Kemet Mountains, we continue through a picture-book forest in the immediate vicinity of the Steinitzenalm. The descent takes place to Bad Mitterndorf.
(1 night; Luggage transport from Gröbming to Bad Mitterndorf)
Hiking: approx. 7 hours (22 km, ascent: 627 m in height / descent: 1,590 m in height)
Day 7: Through the wild-romantic valley of the river Koppentraun
The train takes you comfortably from Bad Mitterndorf to Bad Aussee. This is where the hike through the valley of the Koppentraun along the Traun to Obertraun begins. Via Sarstein, the path crosses a suspension bridge. From here it becomes wildly romantic, because the hiking trail now always leads along the banks of the wild and crystal-clear Koppentraun. Often you can observe fly fishermen at work here. The Koppental-Refuge is a welcome stop on the way. After the old railway tunnel you reach the cave Koppenbrüllerhöhle, a still active water cave, the visit of which is highly recommended. In spring or after heavy rains, the noise in the cave swells to a roar. Arrived in Obertraun you take the ferry across the lake to Hallstatt.
(1 night; Luggage transport from Bad Mitterndorf to Hallstatt)
Hiking: approx. 4-5 hours (15 km, ascent: 166 m in height / descent: 286 m in height)
Day 8: Spectacular hike in the Inner Salzkammergut
The ferry takes you from Hallstatt market to Hallstatt station on the opposite side of the lake. About 10,000 years ago, Lake Hallstatt, which was formed by glacial ice, received its present appearance and is very reminiscent of the fjord landscape in Norway. Following the eastbank trail, a suspension bridge will soon be crossed over the deepest part of the lake. The shore hike along the lake and the surrounding mountains of the Salzkammergut is extremely scenic. From Bad Goisern the ascent leads you by the Trockentannalm to the Goisererhütte at 1,592 meters. After an extended day of hiking, the hut team will spoil you with delicacies, also the view from the terrace is a nice reward (1 night Goisererhütte; Luggage and hut sleeping bag for the overnight stay are to be taken by yourself).
Hiking: 7 hours (approx. 17 km, ascent: 1,108 m in height / descent: 52 m in height)
Day 9: Back to the sprawling mountain village of Gosau
Via the Iglmoosalm you follow the Bible Path again to Gosau. The towers of the Gosau ridge come into view - formed 200 million years ago as a coral reef in warm sea water. For all those who want to spend even more time in the Salzkammergut, additional overnight stays can be reserved. For example, a visit to the Gosauseen, which the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt was already enthusiastic about and described as the "Eye of God".
(Luggage transport from Hallstatt to Gosau; pick up of luggage in Gosau and provision by 14:00 at the latest.)
Hiking: 2-3 hours (approx. 7 km, ascent: 46 m in height / descent 873 m in height)
Requirements and General Information
During the tour around the Dachstein you are mostly in high alpine terrain. Appropriate mountain equipment and endurance are therefore a prerequisite. The necessary equipment includes: mountain boots, functional clothing, backpack, water and food, rain and sun protection, warm clothing – even in midsummer temperature drops are possible, hat, warm gloves, first aid package, mobile phone, possibly hiking poles, etc. Your route is immortalized by your entry in every hut book in the Dachstein Mountains. The paths are well signposted, but markings may be obscured by remaining snow. Maps and the Dachstein hiking book must therefore be carried along. Accompanied by an experienced hiking guide on request.
Arrangement
8x
overnight stay with alpine-breakfast breakfast (5 x ***inn/hotel, 3 x hut – communal bunks, hut sleeping bag* required)
1x
welcome video with explanations and information you need for this tour
1x
ascent by Zwieselalm cable car
1x
Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card - for overnight stay in Ramsau
1x
train ride Bad Mitterndorf/Pichl – Bad Aussee
1x
boat trip Hallstatt station – Hallstatt market
1x
boat trip Hallstatt market – Hallstatt station
1x
hiking map and hiking book – Dachstein (1x per room)
5x
luggage transfer – max. 2 pcs./person and max. 25 kg/case
+
Daily service hotline from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (also on weekends)
+
A Tree for your booking – for every hiking tour booked with us a tree is planted
Rates per person and arrangement in €:
| 01.07. - 26.09.25 (last arrival) | |
|---|---|
| ***hotel/inn in double room (communal bunks in hut) | 1010,00 |
| Supplement half board (min. 2 course dinner in inns/hotels and partly also in huts otherwise 1 course hikers-meal in huts) | 273,00 |
| Supplement 6x single room (communal bunks in huts) | 195,00 |
| Additional night double room with breakfast | 72,00 |
| Additional night double room in Hallstatt with breakfast | 82,00 |
| Additional night supplement for half board | 25,00 |
| Additional night supplement for single room (except Hallstatt) | 22,00 |
| Day of arrival | Daily |
| Mountain guide | On request |
Notes on staying at an Alpine lodge:
- *Hut sleeping bag: blankets are available in the huts; necessary but mandatory is only a lightweight cotton/silk sleeping bag liner
- Due to their location, not all huts can offer running water, hot water or showers. In some cases there is also no flushing system in the toilets.
- On most huts, card payment is not possible. Take enough cash with you for food and drinks.
Become a sponsor of Austrian mountain rescue and enjoy the comprehensive rescue protection: www.bergrettung-ooe.at/en/foerderer-werden
Dogs are welcome - on request. Extra charge on site. In Austria there is a general leash and muzzle obligation!
The standard terms and conditions of the Salzkammergut Touristik GmbH apply in the current version.
Rates and operating hours / timetables are subject to change
Our recommendations: Get a travel cancellation insurance.
Informationen
For environmental reasons, we recommend arriving and departing by public transport (train/bus). We are happy to help you organise your train journey within Austria. Talk to us!
"A tree for your booking" – Cooperation project with Austrian Federal Forests
For every bike or hiking tour in the region booked with us, a tree is planted in the Weißenbach valley – near Bad Ischl. With this campaign we want to generate awareness for climate-friendly travel and take responsibility for a world worth living in.
The UNESCO World Heritage List currently lists 1,154 natural and cultural sites from 167 countries worldwide. The excellent cultural and natural monuments have an extraordinary universal value that must be preserved in the long term. Austria is represented with 10 World Heritage Sites.
The ‘Dachstein circular hiking trail’ opens up the scenic beauty and diversity of the Dachstein, the "showpiece of the northern limestone Alps", in 8 daily stages. In manageable daily stages, without rope and climbing equipment, with walking times between four and seven hours, the scenic diversity of the mountain range can be experienced hiking.
Level of difficulty
Daily stages with up to 1800 metres of ascent - Ø 8-18 hours walking time - extremely difficult terrain: Trails with very large obstacles. Only for trained hikers.