> Hike 3 unforgettable days in Austria’s Dachstein mountains
> Stay in cozy mountain huts with alpine charm
> Cross the exciting Schwarzkogelsteig (T4) section
This 3-day hut-to-hut trek starts in Gosau and ends in Filzmoos, tracing the northern edge of the impressive Dachstein mountain range. The route is perfect for fit beginners with an appetite for adventure and follows clearly marked alpine trails through meadows and forests, with glacier-fed peaks such as the Hallstätter Gletscher in the distance. Don't forget to take pictures overlooking the beautiful Vorderer Gosausee!
You’ll spend your nights in two traditional Austrian huts: the scenic Gablonzerhütte and the mountain-framed Hofpürglhütte. Each day brings new landscapes and alpine vibes. On the final day, things step up with the Schwarzkogelsteig, an almost 5km T4-rated passage with exposure, views, and a true sense of mountain achievement.
Located between the Tennengebirge and the Steirisches Dachsteinplateau, just southeast of Salzburg and near the Styria border, this trek delivers beginner-accessible alpine magic with just the right touch of thrill.
Your trek will begin in the charming alpine village of Gosau, which is surrounded by dramatic peaks. Heading west, you will join the SalzAlpenSteig (Bergeseen Trail 14) from Gosau to Hintertal. Early on, you will pass small waterfalls and walk near the base of the Hornspitz Express chairlifts, right by the Gosau Stub'n restaurant. Crossing the Quellschutzgebiet Nature Reserve, you will find yourself on the Herrenweg, a scenic forest trail that climbs steadily through the woods.
At around 1,200 metres above sea level, the peaceful Falmbergalm hut will come into view. It is popular with hikers and mountain bikers looking for a rest with a view. Further on, you will reach a rest area offering sweeping views of the Dachstein massif, the perfect place to take a short break. Close to kilometre 8, you will cross charming wooden footbridges as the trail narrows and winds further through the forest.
Before reaching your final destination, you will be treated to jaw-dropping views of Lake Gosau (Gosausee) and the glacier-draped Dachstein. These views improve further as you near the terrace at the Sonnenalm, which offers a perfect panorama of both the Vorderen and Hinteren Gosausee lakes. Once you reach Gablonzerhütte, you can enjoy warm hospitality and hearty meals to round off your first day in the Dachstein region.
From the Gablonzerhütte, follow the path alongside the Törleck chairlift at the outset. The trail then winds gently across open alpine slopes, quickly bringing you to the charming Senneralm Sulzkar Hut. This hut is renowned for its stunning mountain vistas and traditional snacks. The Austriaweg then offers panoramic views and the Stuhlalm hut soon comes into view.
Further on, several trails branch off towards more challenging peaks such as Angerstein and Mandlkogel, but you should stick to the main route. Take time to enjoy a break at the Stuhlalm before tackling the most thrilling part of the day. The terrain changes, and the rocky Schwarzkogelsteig section begins. This is the most challenging part of your trek, rated T4. You will ascend in zigzags along a narrow, exposed path, but the reward is great: close-up views of the impressive Große Bischofsmütze peak and the surrounding rock faces. Take care, maintain a steady pace and enjoy being fully immersed in the mountains.
After this adrenaline-pumping section, the trail eases off again, treating you to magnificent views of the valley below. You will then pass scenic viewpoints of the Rötelstein (also known as the Rettenstein), followed by more stunning vistas of the Große Bischofsmütze from a new angle. In the final kilometres, the Hofpürglhütte will come into sight, with the dramatic peak of the Torstein rising behind it. Tonight's cosy mountain hut marks the end of a memorable day in the Alps.
Today, you will head south from the Hofpürglhütte and begin a gentle descent through wooded trails towards Filzmoos. After the initial short downhill section, the route remains relatively flat, ensuring a pleasant and relaxed journey.
En route to the mysterious Schwarze Lacke, you will pass near the peaks of Marchegg (1,540 m) and Wurmegg (1,411 m). This small, black mountain pond is shrouded in legend. According to local lore, a golden chariot guarded by a fearsome dragon lies deep within its waters, and two escape tunnels lead from it: one towards Filzmoos and the other towards Neuberg. You can read the full legend on site, don't miss it!
At around the 6 km mark, you will pass under the Großberg chairlift before reaching Kleinberg, where you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Filzmoos. As you approach the village, the spire of the Filzmoos parish and pilgrimage church comes into view. Dating back to the 15th century, this Gothic church dedicated to St Peter and St Paul offers the perfect finale to your Dachstein adventure.
