Hiking the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail

121 Kilometers

Route around the Dachstein massif

2.700 Meters

Above sea level

5–7 Hours

Average daily walking time

June to September

Best time to visit

Trekking

Combines everything experienced hikers long for

Route & Itinerary

The Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail is an alpine loop that circles the Dachstein massif in about eight stages, linking the three Austrian provinces of Styria, Salzburg, and Upper Austria.

Covering roughly 121 kilometers and 6,700 meters of elevation gain, the route showcases a stunning variety of landscapes — from gentle alpine meadows to high-mountain passes reaching nearly 2,700 meters.

Our self-guided hiking tours on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail are tailored for experienced, sure-footed hikers and classified as "mountain hiking" and "trekking". Along the way, welcoming accommodations invite you to rest and recharge, offering cozy overnight stays — the perfect way to end a day of alpine adventure.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Questions and Answers about hiking the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail

Where is the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail located?

The Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail stretches across the three Austrian provinces of Salzburg, Styria and Upper Austria.

More tour suggestions for hiking holidays in Austria at a glance.

How long is the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail?

The total length of the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail is 121 kilometres. Depending on the duration of the multi-day trekking tour (8 or 7 days), you will cover a total of between 77 and 90 kilometres by foot on our hiking tours.

For which target group is the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail suitable?

Our hiking tours on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail are assigned to our level of hiking 'Trekking'. Here you can expect challenging high-altitude hikes with daily walking times of up to seven hours. An ideal trekking tour for exercise-hungry active holidaymakers and experienced hikers.

What are the special highlights along the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail?

Our trekking tours on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail have countless highlights in store for you:

Impressive high-altitude hiking trails and panoramic peaks
Peaceful alpine landscapes
Unforgettable sunrises and sunsets
Wild nature, natural forests and mountain animals such as chamois
Romantic mountain hut evenings
Traditional mountain cuisine
Magnificent mountain panoramas
Cosy overnight stays in mountain huts
Orientation reliability while hiking with the detailed Eurohike travel documents

How long are each day's stages on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail?

The daily stages on our trekking tours on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail are planned at five to seven hours. We recommend a good basic level of fitness, surefootedness and good shoes for the demanding high-altitude hiking trails.

What are the route/stages on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail?

The route of our hiking tours on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail takes you from Ramsau to Gosau, on to Bad Goisern, Hallstatt, the hiking area on the Stoderzinken and back to Ramsau in Styria.

When can I hike on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail?

The ideal time for a hiking tour on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail is in the warmer months from June until September.

Here you can find more inspiration for hiking tours in summer.

Which hotels/accommodation do I stay in when hiking on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail?

On our hiking tours along the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail you will stay in cosy hotels, inns and huts in the midst of the picturesque mountain landscapes.

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail

Ramsau am Dachstein

The sunny high plateau of Ramsau lies at the very foot of the Dachstein massif, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the glacier region. Here, you’ll experience the full beauty of the mountains — stop for a rest at one of the many alpine huts and enjoy the region’s warm, welcoming hospitality.

Filzmoos

The mountain village of Filzmoos enchants visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and its proximity to the striking Bischofsmütze peak. Surrounded by blooming alpine meadows and fresh mountain air, Filzmoos is the perfect place to pause, reconnect with nature, and savor the tranquility of the mountains.

Gosau

The village of Gosau is a popular gateway to the Dachstein High-Altitude Circular Trail. Nestled among lush alpine pastures and towering peaks lies the Vordere Gosausee, whose turquoise-blue waters and views of the Dachstein’s southern face create unforgettable impressions. After a rewarding day on the trail, cozy guesthouses invite you to relax and take in the soothing quiet of the surrounding nature.

Hallstatt

The UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt weaves together history, culture, and nature in a truly enchanting way. Between the shimmering lake, the mountains, and ancient salt mines, a unique charm unfolds. A leisurely stroll through the historic village center or a quiet pause along the lakeshore will be among the most memorable moments of your tour.

Obertraun

Set on the southern shore of Lake Hallstatt, Obertraun fascinates visitors with its closeness to the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car and the mesmerizing Dachstein Ice Caves. Here, majestic mountain landscapes meet tranquil lakeside scenes — an inspiring place to reflect and let the impressions of your adventure sink in.

Bad Goisern

Tucked between mountains and rivers, Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt welcomes you with cozy guesthouses, delicious regional cuisine, and genuine Salzkammergut charm. From here, well-marked trails lead you back into the alpine world of the Dachstein High-Altitude Trail—an ideal place to begin or conclude your journey.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail

Ramsau – Hofpürglhütte

13 Kilometers | ↗ 800 Meters | ↘ 660 Meters

After a short bus ride, your hike begins with the ascent to Sulzenschneid. Following the Linzer Way, the trail winds through the idyllic alpine pastures of Rinderfeld, accompanied by grazing livestock and dramatic rocky peaks. Along the high-altitude circular trail, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the Bischofsmütze before reaching the Hofpürglhütte at the foot of this striking rock formation — a perfect spot to relax and end the day.

Hofpürglhütte – Gosau

↔ 11 Kilometers | ↗ 330 Meters | ↘ 540 Meters

In the morning, a mesmerizing mountain atmosphere greets you. The trail passes beneath the jagged peaks of the Gosaukamm, across blooming alpine meadows, and on to the Stuhlalm — an ideal place to pause and savor some regional specialties. From there, the path continues below the Donnerkogel to the Gablonzerhütte, offering spectacular views of the Dachstein Glacier and Lake Gosau. A cable car ride then descends into the valley, bringing you to Gosau.

Gosau – Bad Goisern

↔ 15 Kilometers | ↗ 860 Meters | ↘ 1.060 Meters

From Gosau, the trail ascends to Iglmoosalm and continues to the Goiserer Hütte, perched on a scenic ridge. Those who wish can take a detour to Hochkalmberg to see the “Steinerner Indianer.” The descent winds through shaded forest paths down to Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt, where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Bad Goisern – Stoderzinken

↔ 19 Kilometers | ↗ 1.300 Meters | ↘ 370 Meters

After a short transfer, your hike begins with the ascent over Hochmühleck to the Viehbergalm, where traditional alpine huts invite you to take a restorative break. The trail continues through tranquil karst terrain up to the Brünnerhütte on Stoderzinken. Surrounded by majestic mountains, you’ll enjoy a peaceful night with breathtaking views of the peaks around you.

Stoderzinken – Ramsau

↔ 19 Kilometers | ↗ 750 Meters | ↘ 1.380 Meters

To conclude your hiking holiday, you’ll cross the vast high plains of the Styrian Dachstein Plateau. The trail winds through open larch forests and over karst terrain, past small mountain lakes, and up to the Guttenberghaus. With stunning views of the majestic Dachstein southern face, your journey ends with one final breathtaking panorama and the descent back to Ramsau.

Why Choose to Hike the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail?

The Dachstein

is one of the few glaciated peaks in the Northern Limestone Alps

Three Austrian States

Upper Austria, Styria, and Salzburg.

World Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt–Dachstein/Salzkammergut

Mountain Life

Alpine Club huts: Guttenberghaus, Hofpürglhütte & Goiserer Hütte.

Alpine Habitats

Blooming gentians, alpine roses, and globe flowers.

Travel Stories on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail

August 30, 2022

Team on Tour

Travel story: A high-altitude hike around the Gosau ridge

Especially with high temperatures during summer the pleasantly cool mountain air in higher regions and a refreshing dip in the beautiful Salzkammergut lakes are just the ticket. This combination also won me over and so I was able to experience the unique Dachstein World Heritage region up close last year on my first employee-on-tour trip. The Dachstein high-altitude circular path combines summit experiences with cooling summer freshness and offers hikers, who are looking for a challenging trekking tour, an unforgettable adventure. Feel free to take a look at the entire Dachstein high-altitude circular path travel report. What I remembered in particular about this trekking holiday can be read here in my report along the queen’s stage of this hiking holiday with luggage transfer.

Tour start of the Dachstein circular trail on the Glöslalm

May 3, 2022

Guests on Tour

Surprisingly diverse: the circumnavigation of the Dachstein Mountain

On the alpine and outdoor bergparadies.de travel blogger Björn reports on his experiences in the mountains. Whether short day excursions, fantastic long-distance hikes or challenging via ferratas, Björn feels particularly at home between the peaks and so last autumn he also tested our eventful trekking holiday on Mount Dachstein, the hiking tour Dachstein High-Altitude Circular Path, 7 days. Tip: This hiking holiday along the high-altitude trails of Mount Dachstein is also perfect for an active holiday in summer. Read the entire travelogue and more about the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail here and discover more impressions.

October 26, 2021

Team on Tour

The dreamlike Dachstein High Altitude Circular Path

After I started working for Eurofun Touristik in May and got to know the (virtual) extensive offer, one thing was clear to me: I absolutely had to experience it for myself! So my first "employee on tour" trip followed in August. It should go high in the mountains, be a bit more challenging in terms of sport and be a hiking trail close to home. There are several individual hiking tours in Austria on offer - I was spoilt for choice! In the end, I decided for the hiking tour Dachstein High Altitude Circular Path in the Salzkammergut and shortened it a little. What I experienced on my trekking tour between lush green alpine meadows and rocky peaks from Ramsau to Hallstatt, you can now read in this blog post. Here you will find all trekking tours at a glance. Have fun browsing!

Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.