Dachstein Circuit Hike

Make your own way to the Austrian lakes town of Gosau, right next to the Dachstein mountain range. It's a beautiful rambling village in the Gosautal Valley, at the foot of the impressive mountain ridges of Gosaukamm. On check in at the hotel you will receive your welcome pack including guidebook, maps, tickets for the transfers and hotel vouchers.

This morning we recommend taking the bus (10 minutes) to the shores of the Gosausee, one of the most spectacular sights on the trail. From the lake you ascend 552m by cable car (included) up the flanks of Zwieselalm and hike to the Hofpürgl Lodge, where you will spend your second night. The cable car takes you to Gablonzer Hut where the day's hike begins. From here the panorama is spectacular, with views of the Gosau-Torstein and Schneeloch glaciers. Further views of Gosaukamm open out as you ascend through forests of dwarf pines and cross green alpine pastures. When you round a bend and view the imposing peak of Torstein (2948m), the second highest peak in the Dachstein mountains, the hut is only a short distance away.

Note: Your luggage will be transferred from Gosau to the hotel in Ramsau, where you will spend your 3rd night. You will therefore need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping bag with you today.

Distance: 10km/6.2mi, Altitude: +850m/2788ft, -860m/2821ft

Today involves a superb high altitude hike crossing the Kesselwand and taking you over the gravel slopes beneath the north face of the rocks and cliffs of Gosaustein. En route there will be meadows and very old “Wetterzirben” (Alpine pines), and the route is dominated by the rock formations of Hochkesselkopf and Torstein, creating a perfect alpine panorama. Descend to the Türlwand and stay overnight in a hotel in Ramsau on the Dachstein. Your main luggage will be awaiting your arrival.

Distance: 12.5km/7.8mi, Altitude: +895m/2926ft, -882m/2894ft

Day at leisure to explore Ramsau and the region using the included Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, which provides free admission to many local recreational attractions.

This morning you ascend by cable car (included on your Summer Card) to the Dachstein Glacier, with your overnight gear in your pack. Today's hike takes you over the Schladminger Glacier where hiking poles are highly recommended. The route requires careful attention as you climb over scree and grass with some rocky and possibly icy sections. The descent to the hut is short and steep. The hut is a cosy base for the night. An alternative route through the valley to Guttenberg lodge is available if weather conditions are not stable.

Note: As your luggage will be transferred from Ramsau to Groebming, where you will stay on day 6, you will need to carry your overnight gear and sleeping bag with you today.

Distance: 9.5km/5.9mi, Altitude: +264m/866ft, -861m/2824ft

Today you will cross the high plateau of “Am Stein”, with some challenging sections. The trail takes you across alpine meadows before there's a climb through forest, with fantastic views when you reach Grafenbergalm (1783m/5850ft), and more great views back to the Dachstein Glacier from the viewing point above Lake Grafenbergsees. If you still have energy on reaching your accommodation, we recommend hiking behind the chapel to the summit of Stoderzinken (2048m/6720ft), which will take around 45 minutes return and is particularly good at sunset or sunrise. Your main luggage will be awaiting your arrival.

Distance: 13km/8mi, Altitude: +552m/1811ft, -860m/2822ft

Today you will hike past the UNESCO World Natural Heritage listed Notgasse, connecting Gröbming and the alpine pastures. Accessible only by foot, the impressive gorge has rock walls up to 60m in height and some historic petroglyphs. Continue along an ancient mule path (Saumpfad) then a forest path until you reach the beautiful alpine hamlet of Viehbergalm (1445m/4740ft), where you can usually buy local alpine produce. Crossing the summit of Hochmühleck (1731m/5680ft) there is a great view to the mountain chain Kemetgebirge before you descend through forest to Steinitzenalm. From here you continue to Bad Mitterndorf for overnight.

Distance: 22km/13.5mi, Altitude: +627m/2057ft, -1590m/5216ft

This morning you take the train from Bad Mitterndorf/ Pichl Kainisch to Bad Aussee (included). Hike through the beautiful Koppen valley to the Koppenbruellerhoehle Cave (entry and a guided tour of the cave is included). Continue to Obertraun train station, from where you take the ferry to Hallstatt (included), where you'll stay for 2 nights. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hallstatt is set in a magnificent Alpine landscape and known for its ancient salt mining tradition - salt production was carried out here as early as the Middle Bronze Age. Its 16th-century architecture and cobble stoned streets are home to cafes and shops.

Distance: 15 km/9.32mi, Altitude: +166m/544ft, -286m/938ft

A free day to discover the Dachstein Adventure World (included). Using the Krippenstein cable car, you can visit the three stages up the mountain including the mammoth and ice caves and the 'Five Fingers' viewing platform. Some short walks are also possible, with superb views over the lakes and the Dachstein massif. Overnight in Hallstatt.

This morning you take the ferry (included) from Hallstatt to the train station on the other side of the lake. From here you hike along the eastern shore of Lake Hallstaettersee to Au and on to Bad Goisern. Ascend to the Goiserer lodge via Trockentannalm. The hut is built on a crest and offers wonderful views to the mountain range Tote Gebirge and to Bad Goisern. For a better view of the Dachstein Glacier you can ascend a further 45 minutes to Kalmberg Summit (1883m/6177ft). Overnight Goiserer lodge.

Note: Your luggage will be transferred from Hallstatt to the hotel in Gosau, where you will stay on day 11. You will therefore need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping bag with you today.

Distance: 17km/10.5mi, Altitude: +1108m/3635mi, -52m/171ft

From Goiserer lodge descend through dwarf pines, alpine roses and old larch trees passing small alpine huts, meticulously built with stone walls. Continue through a forest to Iglmoosalm (hut), which is open to the public from the beginning of July to the middle of October. A short further descent brings you to Gosau and your hotel, where your luggage awaits your arrival.

Distance: 7km/4.3mi, Altitude: +46m/151ft, -873m/2864ft

The trip concludes after breakfast in Gosau.