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Across the karst plateau

First of all…

The following hike is a high alpine hiking tour. Mountain experience, stamina, sure-footedness and good preparation are the best prerequisites for a successful and safe day trip. Please do not attempt it wearing sports shoes, normal street shoes or flip-flops! This ensures nothing will get in the way of an adventurous hike. Still have questions? For more safety tips, click here ... And now enjoy reading about this tour.

Nature hike at its finest

The recently established Nature trail on the Dachstein plateau is an important component of the World Heritage Hiking world. This trail travels across the karst plateau and "lures" with pristine high alpine scenery. Along the trail karst patterns highly impress as well as the wide variety of fauna and flora and the easternmost glacier of the Alps. The convenient Dachstein Nature trail features catered mountain lodges (locations where both culinary refreshment and accommodation is offered) within 2 hours walking distances from each other.

The surrounding nature reserve is part of "Natura 2000", the ecological network in the territory of the EU, and of World Heritage site "Hallstatt-Dachstein-Salzkammergut ". The convenient trail, 8 km long, is suitable for everyone and introduces to distinct local features via informative boards containing texts about geology, fauna and flora common to the plateau.

VIDEO
Nature Trail on Mount Krippenstein

Tip from the Editorial Team
Mobile Phone Reception in Alpine Terrain

On this hiking tour you will be in high alpine terrain. Although the mobile phone reception is widespread in Austria, there can still be so-called dead spots in some places. Here are a few important tips for mountain hikers.

You should bear this in mind:

  • Carry your mobile phone on your body: Ready to hand!
  • Always keep your mobile phone fully charged.
  • Take a small power bank with you (additionally charged battery).
  • Inform hosts and friends about this tour in advance.
  • Also inform them of the exact route.
  • You can find more information on emergency calls and tips on "Safety in the mountains" here...

We wish you an eventful hiking day in the Salzkammergut!

Your editorial team



Tips: Hiking in autumn

Autumn is here! Hooray! The most beautiful hiking season of the year! However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when hiking, especially at this time of year.

  • Plan tours properly.
  • Start early. Especially for high alpine hikes.
  • Attention: It gets dark early!
  • If you are staying overnight in a hut, register in good time by telephone.
  • Do not miss the last cable car ride down the mountain when on mountain tours.
  • Information on the current operating times of the cable cars in connection with a hike can be found below under "Information at a Glance".
  • Check snow conditions. Because at this time of the year the first snow can already fall in the high mountains.
  • We have summarised further important safety tips below.
  • We wish you an unforgettable hiking autumn in the Salzkammergut.

Your editorial team

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...

 

Rest stops & other offers

Adventure mountain "Dachstein Krippenstein" in Obertraun - Cave worlds for summiteers

Schilcherhaus on the Gjaidalm

© Kraft | Schilcherhaus auf der Gjaidalm in der Dachstein Wanderwelt in Obertraun

The Glacier Garden of Hallstatt

Mountain restaurant Dachstein Krippenstein

© Dachstein Tourismus AG  / Jos Gamsjäger’|  Bergrestaurant Dachstein Krippenstein in Obertraun

Events along the way

Thu, Oct. 17, 2024 16:30 — 21:00 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Sat, Oct. 26, 2024 10:30 Heilbronner Chapel, Krippenstein Obertraun

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.