The Dachstein rises like a white crown above the Salzkammergut, shaping its lakes and valleys for millennia. To walk here is to follow the footsteps of early mountaineers and explorers, where glaciers cut the land and stories of alpine adventure were born.
Your journey begins at the turquoise waters of Lake Gosausee before the cable car lifts you into a world of ridges and rock towers. You’ll trace the Gosaukamm past the striking Donnerkogel and Bischofsmütze, stay in mountain huts perched above the timber line, and stand before the monumental south face of the Dachstein. Onward trails lead you across limestone plateaus and through high valleys, with options to ascend the glacier itself or hike along forested slopes. Each stage reveals new drama: sheer cliffs, sweeping panoramas, and the quiet magic of alpine solitude. That's what Austria is.
At night, rustic huts offer warmth, hearty meals, and starlit skies. This is the journey you will never forget.
Join this adventure and encounter the Dachstein not as a backdrop, but as a true companion on your hike!
Please note: this is a self-guided tour
over 10 y.o.
- Local prices – no extra feesBook tours directly from local tour providers
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Tour highlights
Route details
Upon individual arrival in Gosau, you’ll receive your travel documents at one of our partner locations. Your hike begins at the stunning Lake Gosausee, from where the cable car carries you up to Zwieselalm. From there, the trail follows the dramatic Gosaukamm ridge, passing the striking Donnerkogel and the twin peaks of the Bischofsmütze before reaching the Hofpürglhütte for your overnight stay.
Distance: ~10 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Ascent/Descent: +850 m / -860 m
The tour mainly covers alpine terrain. You will need appropriate mountain equipment and basic stamina.
Accommodation
Supplement for half board - 109 EUR
Additional nights (before / after) - on request
Overnight stay with breakfast at huts – communal bunks (hut sleeping bag* mandatory)
*Hut sleeping bag: blankets are available in the huts; necessary but mandatory is only a lightweight cotton/silk sleeping bag liner.
Due to their location, not all huts can offer running water, hot water or showers. In some cases there is also no flushing system in the toilets.
On most huts, card payment is not possible. Take enough cash with you for food and drinks.
Conditions
- 3x overnight stay with breakfast at huts – communal bunks (hut sleeping bag* mandatory);
- 1x welcome video with explanations and information you need for this tour;
- 1x ascent by Zwieselalm cable car;
- 1x Dachstein hiking guide book + extra tour map (1 x per room);
- 1x bus ticket OR transfer from Obertraun to Gosau;
- 1x hiking map and hiking book – Dachstein (1x per room);
- daily service hotline via our office;
- a Tree for your booking – for every hiking tour booked with us a tree is planted.
- flight tickets;
- supplement half board € 109;
- supplement for a single traveller € 28;
- extra charge transfer Obertraun – Gosau 1-2 Pax € 107;
- additional person € 19;
- mountain guide (on request);
- additional nights (before / after) - on request;
- extras payable on site:
Local tax between 1,00€ and 4,00€ per person per night.
It's important to know
- hut sleeping bag;
- ankle-high boots;
- functional clothes;
- rucksack;
- food and water;
- rain and sun protection;
- first-aid kit;
- mobile phone;
- possibly hiking sticks;
- any other mountain equipment.
