Sarstein hut in Obertraun - © Kraft

Hiking over Mount Sarstein

Brief information in advance

Crossing the mountain called "Sarstein" requires a lot of experience. Surefootedness and a head for heights. They always move in the high alpine terrain at almost 2000 meters. The tour lasts between 8 and 9 hours, depending on your walking speed and condition. There is only one way to get there: the "Niedere Sarsteinalm". A snack and enough drinks are mandatory on this tour. And now more information about the hiking tour over the Sarstein.

Infinite panoramic world

Hikers from near and far agree: The Hohe Sarstein on the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt is the most beautiful panoramic mountain in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. In any case, up there is the unique opportunity to take in the Dachstein glacier and the fjord-like Lake Hallstatt at a glance; not to mention the rest of the panorama over the lakes of the Ausseerland to the Totes Gebirge and the distant Wiesbachhorn in the Hohe Tauern. The hike over the Sarstein from Bad Goisern to Obertraun is definitely one of the most beautiful in the Salzkammergut. There are several variants for the ascent and descent. The mountain hiker can climb the Sarstein summit in Bad Goisern from the first Pötschenkehre and via a steep path through the Pötschenklamm. In addition, a mountain hiking trail leads from Obertraun via the Obertraun Sarsteinhütte to the summit. We decided on the Pötschenkehre variant for the crossing.

Variant 1: Sarstein crossing

The Sarstein conquest requires a full day tour or an overnight stay in a hut from us. We drive with our own car or by tax on the Salzkammergut main road (B145) from Bad Goisern in the direction of Bad Aussee. At the first parking lot after the big hairpin bend, on the right, we park. From there, a steep forest path leads up to the Simony view (886m). Between the rocky slopes of the Falleck (1741 m) and the Wasserfallkogel (1630 m), a mountain path stretches in countless serpentines up into the steep slope of the Hoher Sarstein. After a 3-hour march, which takes us through a beautiful high mountain landscape with a view of the Dachstein, we reach the Niedere Sarsteinalm (1710 m) in the Legföhren region, which lies on the saddle of the Sarstein. This highest alpine pasture in the Salzkammergut is open all summer long. A spring also brings us refreshment. The view of the wild peaks of the "Gosaukamm" (mountain name) is magnificent. To the north, we always have a magnificent view of the rest of the Salzkammergut, starting with the Gosau and Salzburg mountains, over the "Katergebirge" and the "Schafberg" (mountain names) to the Traunstein, the Altausseer See and the Grundlsee with the "Totes Gebirge".

From the Niedere Sarsteinalm to the summit cross, it is only a short distance (about 1 hour). Also, due to the rather steep course, the alpine huts quickly become smaller, but the view gets better and better with increasing altitude! The path itself is rather rocky, but only overcomes just under 300 meters of altitude over a distance of 1.4 km. After about 1 hour, the mountain hiker is at the top!

The view of the summit circuit is overwhelming. The Styrian mountains open up, and deep below, literally in front of us, lies the fjord-like Lake Hallstatt with the market town of Hallstatt, which can rightly claim to be located at the foot of the Dachstein. The mountain lover has the most beautiful mountain panorama in the Alpine world in front of him. The soft mountain grass invites us to take a rest at the summit. Mountain choughs have become our silent friends. Chamois can be seen here and there, and of course sheep graze in the area of the Hohe Sarsteinalm.

Descent to Obertraun

After a well-deserved rest, we continue our hike in the direction of Obertraun and cross the entire Sarstein, so to speak. With a magnificent view of the Dachstein, the Ausseer Land and Hallstatt, we walk comfortably over the back of the mountain. Our legs can now recover a bit. After only one hour we have reached the Obertraun Sarsteinhütte (1650m). We then walk the steep path that takes us down to Obertraun in hundreds of serpentines. In just under three hours we reach the valley. We could then take the train, the post bus or a taxi back to Hallstatt or Steeg. Of course, this hike is also possible in the opposite direction. You will agree with me, the Sarstein crossing will one day be one of your most beautiful mountain tours ever.

Our hiking tip!

If you climb the Sarstein in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt, you need a return trip in Obertraun. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) or the Postbus are ideal for this. Since the hike over the Sarstein is an almost 9-hour day tour, it is important to check the online timetables in advance.

Variant 2: Obertrauner Sarsteinhütte

The ascent begins at the Catholic church in Obertraun and, when we turn right at the cemetery after 150m, leads us to the Brettstein, where we take our first rest because of the beautiful view of the valley. We continue to follow marker no. 692 over the "Almriedl" to the "Bründlleiten", where we can already see the mighty glacier world of the Hoher Dachstein. After a good two hours we stop at the "Goiserer Aussicht". The view takes in Lake Hallstatt, the village of Hallstatt and the northern end of the lake with the Traun outflow deep below. Another hour and we have reached the Obertrauner Sarsteinhütte (1650m), a self-catering hut run by the Obertraun Friends of Nature. This is managed on the beautiful weekends in summer on request. Further information is also available from Carina Kaiser on 0664/5132743. The onward hike to the summit of the Hoher Sarstein (1975m), which we reach in about 1 hour, is less arduous. tours.

Don’t forget to make your mark!

Perpetuate - make your mark. What is the point in a visit to the summit cross without leaving behind an entry in the logbook? You will also find a ‘summit book’ on the top – those who come after you will enjoy reading your entries!

VIDEO
Hiking Mount Sarstein in Austria

Safety Tips for Hikers

Admittedly, the landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is the absolute pinnacle for hiking fans, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers—unforgettable tours to incredibly beautiful mountain lodges and meadows, panorama views as far as the eye can see and cherished moments that will last a lifetime! However, you should remember that while hiking you might find yourself in high-alpine terrain. We’ve put together some resources to assist you: how to best prepare for your tour, recommended items for your backpack and steps to take in an emergency situation. Remember to always play it safe and enjoy your hiking adventure in the Salzkammergut!

Warning: Closed trails
Better to know before you go

Hiking trails in the Salzkammergut can be closed for various reasons. To help you prepare for your hike, we have set up a page with current road closures in the region. This will help you get to your destination without any detours or stress. Click here to visit the page...

More offers on Mount Sarstein

Obertrauner Sarsteinhütte (Sarstein hut)

© Kraft | Obertrauner Sarsteinhütte

Places of happiness: Hoher Sarstein - The peak of emotions!

© Kraft | Entdecken Sie die Glücksplätze bei Ihrem Urlaub im Salzkammergut: Hoher Sarstein in der UNESCO Welterberegion Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut.

Available accommodation for your hiking holiday in the Salzkammergut

Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.