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, this stage heads into alpine terrain quickly and should not be treated as an easy approach. The route is 10.2 km with 510 m of ascent, and the technical difficulty is important here because the route includes a T4 passage. Even before the Schwarzkogelsteig, the path has steep and uneven sections where careful foot placement is needed, especially on loose rocky ground.

The first part follows the path near the Törleck chairlift before continuing towards the Stuhlalm area. Before reaching the Schwarzkogelsteig, there are already advanced sections on narrow mountain paths along the rock face. In places, the trail is steep, uneven and loose underfoot, with a significant drop beside the path. You may need to use your hands for balance or support, so take your time and keep distance between hikers.

The most technical part is the Schwarzkogelsteig, a roughly 1 km T4 section that climbs steeply towards the Durchgangscharte. The path is narrow, exposed and rocky, with loose stone and scree in places. Sure-footedness, a head for heights and confidence on steep alpine terrain are essential. Although this section is climbed uphill, it still requires full attention, especially where the line is less clear or stones can be dislodged.

After the demanding section, the route eases off and continues with wide views towards the surrounding peaks, including the Große Bischofsmütze from a new angle. In the final kilometres, the Hofpürglhütte comes into view beneath the high rock walls. This mountain hut marks the end of a serious but rewarding alpine stage.

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.