Beginner Dachstein Rundwanderweg

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 challenging part of the entire trek. The terrain becomes noticeably more demanding as you enter the rocky Schwarzkogelsteig, a roughly 1 km section rated T4. You will ascend in zigzags along a narrow and exposed mountain path.

Note: This section requires sure-footedness, a head for heights and confidence on steeper alpine terrain. If you have limited experience on this type of terrain, the stage may take considerably longer than the stated walking time.

Take your time and maintain a steady pace. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of the impressive Große Bischofsmütze and the surrounding rock faces.

After this demanding 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.