Dachstein circular trail
The facts
- 8 individual daily stages
- averaging 4 to 8 hours per day
- elevations from 495 m to 2 700 m
- 121 kilometers
- Hoher Dachstein at 2 995 m
- Austrian provinces: Salzburg, Upper Austria, Styria
- regions flanking the Dachstein: Tennengau, Filzmoos, Schladming-Dachstein, Ausseerland-Salzkammergut, Holiday Region Dachstein Salzkammergut
The myth of the Dachstein
The Dachstein, from the bizarre peaks of the Gosaukamm to its striking south face and the breathtaking high plateau, is not a mountain like any other. It is also called King Dachstein and rightly so, it towers imposingly above the clear mountain lakes of the Salzkammergut. The circular hiking trail around this mystical mountain unites the regions separated by it, from the picturesque Gosau, over Filzmoos' mountain pastures, along the steep walls of the south, to the gentle Ausseerland.
The way is the destination!
Along the eight 4-8 hour daily stages, you will meet one or two unexpected mountain dwellers, from chamois to ibex, marmots and with a bit of luck even a viper. In between the hikes you will find a rest in the cosy alpine huts, which are run with passion by the innkeepers and where you will hear one or two stories about the region.
The trail itself is also steeped in history, as in many places Bibles were smuggled from Nuremberg to Gosau and Ramsau many years ago, after the Counter Reformation. Today this is of course no longer necessary.
The Dachstein circular hiking trail has no equal
The beginning of the Dachstein circular hiking trail is probably the most beautiful view of the Salzkammergut, early in the morning at the Lake Gosau you can enjoy the silence and the first rays of sunshine. Torn away from your gaze, you take the first steps along the Austriaweg to the Hofpürgelhütte, the view of the Bischofsmütze, which shines in the evening light, is worth every moment.
We continue along the Linzer- and Pernerweg to the Dachstein Südwandhütte, and over the Hunerkogel to the Guttenberghaus, from there to the Stoderzinken and on to Bad Mitterndorf. From here to Hallstatt, a fairly flat stage, along streams, moors and karst springs to Hallstatt. The penultimate stage along the east bank hiking trail, through the fjord-like valley, which owes its appearance to the Ice Age glacier, to Bad Goisern is also relaxing.
The last stage is once again a little more strenuous, but very rewarding, it leads along a steep ascent to the Goiserer hut. If you have enough time left, you shouldn't miss the view from "Goisern's Native Americans Head" on the Kalmberg. A relaxed descent follows and now you are already on the last few kilometres through the Gosau valley. At the end of a wonderful journey around the Dachstein, a swim in the chilly Lake Gosau is a good way to round off the trip.
Stages
1. Gosau lake - Hofpürgl hut
2. Hofpürgl hut - Dachstein Südwand hut
3. Dachstein Südwand hut - Hunerkogel - Guttenberghaus
4. Guttenberghaus - Stoderzinken
5. Stoderzinken - Bad Mitterndorf
6. Bad Mitterndorf - Steinitzenalm - Hallstatt
7. Hallstatt - Bad Goisern
8. Bad Goisern - Gosau
Get a detailled view of the Dachstein circular trail here.
Contact & Service
Holiday Region Dachstein SalzkammergutKirchengasse 4
4822 Bad Goisern
Phone +43 5 95095
Fax machine +43 5 95095-74
E-Mail info@dachstein-salzkammergut.at
Don’t hesitate to contact the team of local guides for any questions about the Holiday Region Dachstein Salzkammergut.
