Dachstein circular hiking trail - the classic

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)

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)

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)

Known as a Nordic ski center in winter, Ramsau am Dachstein also offers a unique flair and countless opportunities to take a deep breath in summer. One can visit the swimming pool or ride up the Rittisberg with its family-friendly adventure stations and the Rittisberg Coaster summer toboggan run. In any case one will find the perfect opportunity to spend the day.

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)