Our ultimate Austrian alpine walking holiday experience: a fabulous trek around and over the spectacular Dachstein.
- Majestic peaks of the mighty Dachstein
- Turquoise lake of Gosau
- Cross the Am Stein plateau
- Chocolate-box lakeside village of Hallstatt
The mighty Dachstein rises to almost 3,000 metres, dominated by glaciers and rocky peaks. This superb alpine trek takes you into the realms of jagged peaks and glaciers, and is perfect for those who enjoy challenging higher-level routes. A carefully structured itinerary combines charming hotels with intermittent nights spent in the mountains in basic yet comfortable huts (sleeping bags are required).
You’ll be following way-marked mountain trails throughout. Starting from Gosau, on the shores of the turquoise Gosausee, the route crosses over the impressive Dachstein massif and onto the wild Am Stein plateau, ultimately descending to the chocolate-box lakeshore village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A pleasing lakeside stroll is followed by a final night in the mountains before this circuit is complete.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Travel to Gosau
Fly from the UK to Munich or Salzburg, and make your way (by train/bus) to Gosau.
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Day 2: Cable car up Zwieselalm, trek to Horpurgul Lodge
From the lakeside, save 500 metres of stiff ascent by taking the cable car ‘Gosaukammbahn’ to Zwieselalm. Continue to Gablonzer Hut, where you can admire the beautiful views of the Gosausee and the serrated towers of Gosaukamms. You then follow the Austrian Way to the Hofpurgelhutte, where you will spend the night.
Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 850 m | Descent: 860 m
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Day 3: Trek to Ramsau
Today you are in the realm of the majestic Dachstein with its mighty glaciers as you traverse between such lofty mountains as the Rettebstein and the Torstein before heading to Ramsau.
Walking distance: 6 km | Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 880 m
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Day 4: Free day in Ramsau
Free day to relax and explore Ramsau.
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Day 5: Cable car to the Dachstein Glacier
Traverse rough and rocky terrain, following a high level route through impressive mountain and glacial surroundings. A steep and sustained descent then follows between Eselstein and Schiechen, down to tonight’s accommodation at the Guttenberg Lodge.
Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 260 m | Descent: 860 m
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Day 6: Walk over ’Am Stein’ to Grobming
The high level walking continues as you leave the Guttenberg Lodge to cross the ’Am Stein’ plateau. Heading towards the Grafenbergalm, you pass the emerald waters of the tiny Grafenbergsee en route.
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 550 m | Descent: 860 m
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Day 7: Trek to the Steinitzenalm
The walk begins with an ascent up into larch woodland from Stoderzinken and then through the Notgasse to reach the Viehbergalm. A further 300 metres leads over the Hochm, from where the descent begins in earnest down through meadows and forest to Steinitzenalm.
Walking distance: 17 km | Ascent: 550 m | Descent: 1370 m
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Day 8: Hike to Hallstatt via Bad Aussee
Hike along the shores of the pretty Odensee to Bad Aussee through the Koppen Valley to Obertraun, then take the ferry to Hallstatt.
Walking distance: 26 km | Ascent: 315 m | Descent: 800 m
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Day 9: Free day
Free day; visit the Mammoth Ice Caves and use the Krippenstein cable car.
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Day 10: Mountain railway to salt mines & ascend to Goiserer Hut
The day begins with a ride on the Salzbergbahn cog railway to the Hallster Salzwelten Mines, before following the saltwater pipeline to Bad Goisern and ascending towards Goiserer Hut.
Walking distance: 24 km | Ascent: 1180 m | Descent: 125 m
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Day 11: Trek over the Iglmoosalm to Gosau
Following the long distance E4 route, you reach the open meadows of Iglmoosalm from where the descent begins to reach the village of Gosau.
Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 45 m | Descent: 870 m
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Day 12: Depart Gosau & travel back to the UK
Depart Gosau and travel back to Munich or Salzburg for your return flight to the UK
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 12 days from £1,389 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 12 days from £1,609 per person
- Single room supplement: From £245
- Walking grade: Demanding
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: 2,700m
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel / inn x 7 nights, mountain hut x 4 nights
- 11 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 1 Jul to 9 Oct | £1,525 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
