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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

Questions and Answers about hiking the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

↔ 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.

↔ 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.

↔ 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.

↔ 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

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.

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Team Eurobike & Eurohike

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Helene Edtmeier

If you have any questions about your hiking tour on the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail, I am here to help and advise you!

Helene Edtmeier
Team Leader of Eurohike Travel Specialists
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