> Hike along the mighty Dachstein in 4 days
> Stay in cozy alpine huts like Gablonzerhütte and Hofpürglhütte
> Includes the challenging Schwarzkogelsteig section (T4)
The Dachstein Rundwanderweg may sound like a loop, but this 4-day adventure actually takes you on a scenic point-to-point trek from Gosau to Filzmoos, right through the southeastern highlands of Salzburg. Along the way, you’ll walk through alpine meadows, past jagged limestone cliffs, and between some of the most iconic scenery in this corner of Austria.
You’ll overnight in authentic mountain huts like Gablonzerhütte, Theodor-Körner-Hütte, and Hofpürglhütte. Each day offers a new landscape: forests, pastures, and panoramic ridgelines. On day three, the Schwarzkogelsteig adds a unique mountain moment: a narrow, exposed T4-rated trail that’s exciting but doable for experienced families with a head for heights.
With moderate distances, good signage, and all logistics handled by us, this is the perfect trek for adventurous families who want a real alpine experience. Tough enough to feel epic, mellow enough to enjoy every step!
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, head south alongside the cable car line towards the Törleck chairlift (1,595 metres). Even at this early stage, the views are stunning, with the imposing Dachstein mountain range behind you. You’ll pass close to the popular Donnerkogel via ferrata climbing route, but your trail sticks to gentler terrain as you continue along the well-marked Dachstein Rundwanderweg trails. Today's stage is short but scenic, undulating gently across alpine slopes with far-reaching views.
About halfway through, you will reach the traditional Senneralm Sulzkarhütte alpine hut, which offers spectacular views. Shortly afterwards, the trail provides a beautiful vantage point overlooking the alpine village of Dachstein West, nestled deep in the valley far below.
Further on, you will see the Stuhlalm ahead with trail junctions pointing towards the more challenging peaks of Angerstein and Mandlkogel. However, continue towards your overnight stop. About 200 metres before the hut, keep an eye out for the impressive rock formation known as the Bishop's Mitre. You will finish the day at the peaceful Theodor-Körner-Hütte, a cosy mountain refuge where you can enjoy sweeping views and a well-earned meal.
The day begins with a short detour back to the main trail from the Theodor-Körner-Hütte. From there, follow the path on the right to join the BergeSeen Trail, which originally connects Gablonzerhütte and Hofpürglhütte. The first section is mostly flat and offers stunning views of the striking peak of the Bischofsmütze.
Now, the rocky Schwarzkogelsteig section begins, featuring a narrow, exposed T4 trail with a steady zigzag ascent. You will cross the Durchgangscharte at an altitude of 1,550 metres, and after around 2.5 kilometres you will join trail 601A. This section runs along high ground just below impressive peaks, with undulating terrain and constant views.
Around halfway through, you will cross the Rauchenbach stream, after which you will enjoy a sweeping view of the valley. The Salzburg Almenweg continues with vistas of the Rötelstein (Rettenstein), which remains in view throughout this section of the route. Eventually, you will reach the final stretch, which offers a perfect view of the Große Bischofsmütze. Soon afterwards, the Hofpürglhütte will come into sight. Nestled below the Große Bischofsmütze, this cosy hut will be your home for the night, so it's time to relax and recharge!
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.
