Dachstein Circuit
12 Days Starting and ending in Gosau, Austria
Visiting: Gosau, Gosausee, Ramsau am Dachstein, Ramsau, Dachstein Glacier, Groebming, Bad Mitterndorf, Hallstatt, Bad Goisern
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DCT
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Dachstein Circuit, a self-guided trekking tour through Austria's breathtaking Salzkammergut region. Experience the thrill of hiking across alpine pastures, marvel at the diverse flora and fauna, and ascend the majestic Dachstein Glacier. Explore the enchanting Koppen valley and the fascinating Koppenbruellerhoehle Cave, and enjoy the panoramic views from the Krippenstein cable car. Stay in a mix of cozy alpine huts and comfortable 3-star hotels, savoring hearty meals along the way. With transportation, luggage transfers, and detailed hiking maps provided, this tour offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Gosau
Location: Gosau
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2 : Hike To Hofpürgel Hutte With Overnight Backpack (4-5Hrs)
Location: Gosausee
Accommodation Name: Hofpürgl Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 walk 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
Day 3 : Hike Between Lodges Then Descend To The Türlwand, Overnight Ramsau (6Hrs)
Location: Ramsau am Dachstein
Accommodation Name: hotel in Ramsau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today involves a superb high altitude walk 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
Day 4 : Rest Day In Ramsau
Location: Ramsau
Accommodation Name: hotel in Ramsau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 5 : Ascend Dachstein Glacier, Walk To Guttenberg Lodge With Overnight Backpack (4-5Hrs)
Location: Dachstein Glacier
Accommodation Name: Guttenberg Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 walk takes you over the Schladminger Glacier where walking 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
Day 6 : Walk To Grafenbergalm And On To A Hotel Above Groebming (6Hrs)
Location: Groebming
Accommodation Name: hotel above Groebming
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 walking 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
Day 7 : Descend To Bad Mitterndorf (8 Hrs)
Location: Bad Mitterndorf
Accommodation Name: hotel in Bad Mitterndorf
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will walk 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
Day 8 : Train To Bad Aussee, Walk To Obertrauner Höhenweg Then Boat To Hallstatt (4-5 Hrs)
Location: Hallstatt
Accommodation Name: hotel in Hallstatt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you take the train from Bad Mitterndorf/ Pichl Kainisch to Bad Aussee (included). Walk 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
Day 9 : Visit Caves And Ride The Krippenstein Cable Car
Location: Hallstatt
Accommodation Name: hotel in Hallstatt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 10 : Walk To Bad Goisern And On To Goiserer Lodge With Overnight Backpack (7Hrs)
Location: Bad Goisern
Accommodation Name: Goiserer Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you take the ferry (included) from Hallstatt to the train station on the other side of the lake. From here you walk 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
Day 11 : Walk To Gosau (2-3Hrs)
Location: Gosau
Accommodation Name: hotel in Gosau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 12 : Trip Concludes
Location: Gosau
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast in Gosau.
What's Included
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Meals
11 breakfasts and 11 dinners are included. Continental breakfasts 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.
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Accommodation
8 nights accommodation on a twin share basis in 3-star mountain hotels/inns and 3 nights in mountain huts on a multishare basis.
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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, and ferry from Hallstatt.
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Hiking Maps and Guidebook
Hiking maps and a Dachstein hiking book are provided per room booked.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included except on days 2, 5, and 10 when you need to carry your overnight gear with you. The allowance is a maximum of 2 pieces per person, with a maximum of 25kg per piece.
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Dachstein Adventure World
Dachstein Adventure World all-inclusive card and entrance & guided tour of Koppenbruellerhoehle cave are included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available daily from 8am to 6pm.
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Transportation
Transportation includes cable car tickets, train tickets, and ferry rides. Luggage transfer is provided except on days 2, 5, and 10 when you need to carry your overnight gear. The Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card offers additional transport options.
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Accommodation Details
During the trip, you will stay in a combination of alpine huts and 3-star hotels/inns. The inns are comfortable with ensuite bathrooms, TV, good beds, and often great views. The huts offer dorm rooms for 8-10 people with superb views and hearty cuisine.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Gosau
Travel to and from Gosau is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Luggage Transfers on Specific Days
Luggage transfers on days 2, 5, and 10 are not included.
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Storage of Luggage
Storage of luggage is not included.
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Entrance Fees Not Listed
Entrance fees not listed as included are not covered.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included are not covered.
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Transfers by Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday.
If you would like to hire an alpine guide, please ask our staff to book this - charges apply. -
Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Mandatory Sleeping Bag Liner
A lightweight cotton/silk sleeping bag liner is mandatory (blankets are available in the huts).
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunch and Drinks
Lunch and drinks are not included.
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Local Taxes
Local taxes are extra and payable locally - allow Euro 1-3 per night.
Grading
This is a self guided walk with a maximum of 8 hours of walking 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 walk 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.
Accommodation
During the trip, you will stay in a combination of alpine huts and 3-star hotels/inns. The inns are comfortable with ensuite bathrooms, TV, good beds, and often great views. The huts offer dorm rooms for 8-10 people with superb views and hearty cuisine.
What You Carry
On the days that luggage is transferred, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc. On days 2, 5 & 10 you will also need to carry your overnight requirements.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes cable car tickets, train tickets, and ferry rides. Luggage transfer is provided except on days 2, 5, and 10 when you need to carry your overnight gear. The Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card offers additional transport options.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the trip, you will stay in a combination of alpine huts and 3-star hotels/inns. The inns are comfortable with ensuite bathrooms, TV, good beds, and often great views. The huts offer dorm rooms for 8-10 people with superb views and hearty cuisine.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, 11 breakfasts and 11 dinners are included. Continental breakfasts 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.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Luggage transfer is included except on days 2, 5, and 10 when you need to carry your overnight gear with you. The allowance is a maximum of 2 pieces per person, with a maximum of 25kg per piece.
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What transportation options are included in the tour?
Transportation includes cable car tickets, train tickets, and ferry rides. The Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card offers additional transport options.
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What should I carry on days when luggage transfer is not provided?
On days 2, 5, and 10, you will need to carry your overnight gear including a sleeping bag with you.
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Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available daily from 8am to 6pm.
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What kind of physical preparation is recommended for this tour?
A good level of fitness is required. It is recommended that you undertake regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. The terrain can be undulating with some steep and exposed sections, and weather conditions may be variable.
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Are there any specific items I need to bring for the tour?
A lightweight cotton/silk sleeping bag liner is mandatory as blankets are available in the huts. You should also carry wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and a phone.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and not included in the tour package.
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Can I hire a guide for the tour?
This is a self-guided walking holiday. If you would like to hire an alpine guide, please ask the staff to book this - charges apply.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.