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Duration
12 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 8 nights 3 star inns and hotels
  • 3 nights mountain huts in multishare
Meals
  • 11 Dinners
  • 11 Breakfasts

Price

$2290USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: DCT

Trip highlights


  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery of the Salzkammergut region of Austria
  • Experience the exhilaration of trekking across alpine pastures
  • Viewing flora and fauna including ibex, chamois and marmot
  • Enjoying the warm family run hotels

The Dachstein massif, southeast of Salzburg, is a small mountain range with dozens of peaks of 2500m or more, typified by its series of glaciers and sharp descents to the valley floor, the limestone mountain contains some of the largest caves in Austria. Take in the awesome views of ice fields and alpine meadows, limestone peaks and dramatic lakes as you trek this exhilarating circuit. At night you stay in atmospheric mountain hotels interspersed with 3 nights in mountain huts high up on the central massif.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to the Austrian lakes town of Gosau, right next to the Dachstein mountain range. It's a beautiful rambling village in the Gosautal Valley, at the foot of the impressive mountain ridges of Gosaukamm. On check in at the hotel you will receive your welcome pack including guidebook, maps, tickets for the transfers and hotel vouchers.

Meals:  D

This morning we recommend taking the bus (10 minutes) to the shores of the Gosausee, one of the most spectacular sights on the trail. From the lake you ascend 552m by cable car (included) up the flanks of Zwieselalm and hike to the Hofpürgl Lodge, where you will spend your second night. The cable car takes you to Gablonzer Hut where the day's hike begins. From here the panorama is spectacular, with views of the Gosau-Torstein and Schneeloch glaciers. Further views of Gosaukamm open out as you ascend through forests of dwarf pines and cross green alpine pastures. When you round a bend and view the imposing peak of Torstein (2948m), the second highest peak in the Dachstein mountains, the hut is only a short distance away. Note: Your luggage will be transferred from Gosau to the hotel in Ramsau, where you will spend your 3rd night. You will therefore need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping bag with you today. Distance: 10km/6.2mi, Altitude: +850m/2788ft, -860m/2821ft

Meals:  B,D

Today involves a superb high altitude hike crossing the Kesselwand and taking you over the gravel slopes beneath the north face of the rocks and cliffs of Gosaustein. En route there will be meadows and very old “Wetterzirben” (Alpine pines), and the route is dominated by the rock formations of Hochkesselkopf and Torstein, creating a perfect alpine panorama. Descend to the Türlwand and stay overnight in a hotel in Ramsau on the Dachstein. Your main luggage will be awaiting your arrival. Distance: 12.5km/7.8mi, Altitude: +895m/2926ft, -882m/2894ft

Meals:  B,D

Day at leisure to explore Ramsau and the region using the included Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, which provides free admission to many local recreational attractions.

Meals:  B,D

This morning you ascend by cable car (included on your Summer Card) to the Dachstein Glacier, with your overnight gear in your pack. Today's hike takes you over the Schladminger Glacier where hiking poles are highly recommended. The route requires careful attention as you climb over scree and grass with some rocky and possibly icy sections. The descent to the hut is short and steep. The hut is a cosy base for the night. An alternative route through the valley to Guttenberg lodge is available if weather conditions are not stable. Note: As your luggage will be transferred from Ramsau to Groebming, where you will stay on day 6, you will need to carry your overnight gear and sleeping bag with you today. Distance: 9.5km/5.9mi, Altitude: +264m/866ft, -861m/2824ft

Meals:  B,D

Today you will cross the high plateau of “Am Stein”, with some challenging sections. The trail takes you across alpine meadows before there's a climb through forest, with fantastic views when you reach Grafenbergalm (1783m/5850ft), and more great views back to the Dachstein Glacier from the viewing point above Lake Grafenbergsees. If you still have energy on reaching your accommodation, we recommend hiking behind the chapel to the summit of Stoderzinken (2048m/6720ft), which will take around 45 minutes return and is particularly good at sunset or sunrise. Your main luggage will be awaiting your arrival. Distance: 13km/8mi, Altitude: +552m/1811ft, -860m/2822ft

Meals:  B,D

Today you will hike past the UNESCO World Natural Heritage listed Notgasse, connecting Gröbming and the alpine pastures. Accessible only by foot, the impressive gorge has rock walls up to 60m in height and some historic petroglyphs. Continue along an ancient mule path (Saumpfad) then a forest path until you reach the beautiful alpine hamlet of Viehbergalm (1445m/4740ft), where you can usually buy local alpine produce. Crossing the summit of Hochmühleck (1731m/5680ft) there is a great view to the mountain chain Kemetgebirge before you descend through forest to Steinitzenalm. From here you continue to Bad Mitterndorf for overnight. Distance: 22km/13.5mi, Altitude: +627m/2057ft, -1590m/5216ft

Meals:  B,D

This morning you take the train from Bad Mitterndorf/ Pichl Kainisch to Bad Aussee (included). Hike through the beautiful Koppen valley to the Koppenbruellerhoehle Cave (entry and a guided tour of the cave is included). Continue to Obertraun train station, from where you take the ferry to Hallstatt (included), where you'll stay for 2 nights. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hallstatt is set in a magnificent Alpine landscape and known for its ancient salt mining tradition - salt production was carried out here as early as the Middle Bronze Age. Its 16th-century architecture and cobble stoned streets are home to cafes and shops. Distance: 15 km/9.32mi, Altitude: +166m/544ft, -286m/938ft

Meals:  B,D

A free day to discover the Dachstein Adventure World (included). Using the Krippenstein cable car, you can visit the three stages up the mountain including the mammoth and ice caves and the 'Five Fingers' viewing platform. Some short walks are also possible, with superb views over the lakes and the Dachstein massif. Overnight in Hallstatt.

Meals:  B,D

This morning you take the ferry (included) from Hallstatt to the train station on the other side of the lake. From here you hike along the eastern shore of Lake Hallstaettersee to Au and on to Bad Goisern. Ascend to the Goiserer lodge via Trockentannalm. The hut is built on a crest and offers wonderful views to the mountain range Tote Gebirge and to Bad Goisern. For a better view of the Dachstein Glacier you can ascend a further 45 minutes to Kalmberg Summit (1883m/6177ft). Overnight Goiserer lodge. Note: Your luggage will be transferred from Hallstatt to the hotel in Gosau, where you will stay on day 11. You will therefore need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping bag with you today. Distance: 17km/10.5mi, Altitude: +1108m/3635mi, -52m/171ft

Meals:  B,D

From Goiserer lodge descend through dwarf pines, alpine roses and old larch trees passing small alpine huts, meticulously built with stone walls. Continue through a forest to Iglmoosalm (hut), which is open to the public from the beginning of July to the middle of October. A short further descent brings you to Gosau and your hotel, where your luggage awaits your arrival. Distance: 7km/4.3mi, Altitude: +46m/151ft, -873m/2864ft

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast in Gosau.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 11 breakfasts, 11 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 1 to 3 course hikers meals in the huts and 3 courses in the hotels which may include regional specialties
  • 8 nights accommodation on a twin share basis in 3 star mountain hotels/inns, 3 nights in mountain huts on a multishare basis
  • Transfers: Cable car ticket Gosaukammbahn to Zwieselalm, Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card (your ticket for the Dachstein Gletscherbahn), train ticket Bad Mitterndorf/Pichl-Kainisch to Bad Aussee, ferry from Hallstatt train station to market, ferry from Hallstatt market to train station
  • Hiking maps and Dachstein hiking book per room booked
  • Luggage transfer (except days 2, 5 & 10 when you need to carry your overnight gear with you) - allowance is max 2 pieces pp, max 25kg per piece
  • Dachstein Adventure World all-inclusive card and entrance & guided tour Koppenbruellerhoehle cave
  • Emergency hotline (8am-6pm daily)

  • Travel to and from Gosau
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Luggage transfers on days 2, 5 and 10
  • Storage of luggage
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Guide – this is a self guided hiking holiday. If you would like to hire an alpine guide please ask our staff to book this - charges apply.
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Mandatory - lightweight cotton/silk sleeping bag liner (blankets are available in the huts)
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate to challenging  

This is a self guided hike with a maximum of 8 hours of hiking per day in stages of 9.5 to 26km.The paths are not always well defined and the gradient can be difficult. The terrain is undulating and there are some steep and exposed sections, while at other times it is reasonably flat near to the lake shore. This hike is only recommended for experienced hikers who can navigate using a map and compass in alpine conditions. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Jul to 26 Sep

Notes

Note:
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2290USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement (for the 8 nights in inns/hotels)USD$360
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

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Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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