Dachstein hiking world
The Dachstein Krippenstein cable-car
This rewarding plateau circular trail is particularly suitable for families with children fond of hiking. On the recently adapted wide hiking trail many features arouse curiosity and travelling with baby buggies is possible all way. To reach the starting point you go up by cable car (Dachstein-Krippenstein ropeways) and while hovering high above rugged rock faces and distinctive karst patterns, you might even catch a glimpse on a chamois. The karst trail starts at the top station and leads on a well marked route across the massif to the Heilbronner Cross. A trip to the ‘cattle footprints' is particularly rewarding as they demonstrate that the massif once was the ocean floor of the primeval Tethys sea. Past the Hirzkarkogel and plenty of informative boards you will make your way back to the starting point of the tour. The last and only ascent may also be overcome by cable car (3rd section).
A mountain experience with great views
The beautiful Salzkammergut is ideally suited for hiking tours of all difficulty levels and the Dachstein mountain plateau in particular offers a wide range of hiking routes for all the family – from exciting walks with disabled access to mountain tours lasting several hours at 3,000 m!
The Dachstein world of hiking offers endless enjoyable hiking routes from the Koppental valley of the river Traun to the mountain plateau of the Dachstein with its many peaks in addition to challenging mountain and climbing tours. Perfectly accessible educational trails extend from the Obertraun valley station to the glacier region at 3,000 m, combining exciting information about the surroundings with a relaxed hiking atmosphere.
In the mountains as in the valley, visitors can enjoy a wide range of gastronomy ranging from restaurants with all-inclusive offers to down-to-earth inns and traditional mountain huts, the ideal places to stop off for some rest and relaxation. So drop by and enjoy a snack!
Hiking trails
Hiking & unforgettable mountain moments: Mountain Moments 2024
Unforgettable nature experiences. Guided hikes you will never forget. Friendly hosts. And lots of events. Always with a lot of customs and tradition. This and much more is available at "Mountain Moments". Experience the mountains from a completely new perspective. It's time for a new adventure!
Schilcherhaus on the Gjaidalm
Obertraun | Gjaidalm: Here you will find what you have often sought in vain elsewhere ... Relaxation - Tranquillity - Nature – Rest in a charming alpine landscape on the Dachstein plateau
Heilbronn Circular Trail
Hiking on the Dachstein plateau. Meet animal natives and enjoy the impressive karst landscape at 2000 metres above sea level. An unforgettable nature experience of around 2 to 3 hours on a wide hiking trail. Ideal for families and seniors.
The karst nature trail
Twenty signposted stations tell the story of the evolution of the karst landscape in the ”Dachstein Hiking World” in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut.
Simony Hut: So close to heaven!
Hallstatt / Obertraun: The hike to the Simony Hut below the mighty Dachstein glacier, is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Salzkammergut. Recommended is the gorgeous sunrise - just a dream!
Hike to the Wiesberghaus
Day hike on the high plateau with numerous further hiking options.
From Hallstatt through the Echerntal valley, or by cable car to 1884 m above sea level and through the karst landscape. Really fantastic! Surefootedness and mountain experience required.
Hiking to the viewing plattform ”5Fingers”
Fantastic views of the Salzkammergut region! 1/2 hour to the summit Easy trail alt. 2,109 metres on the top of Mount Krippenstein in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt.
Hiking trail “Margschierf” on Mout Krippenstein
The bride Karstlehrpath leads trough a real "lunarscape"on Mount Krippenstein in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt. Hiking duration around 6 hours.
Hike to the ice cave in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt
From Obertraun on foot to the Schönbergalm. Two-hour tour for the experienced mountaineer. A small challenge for advanced climbers, including a unique cave experience at 1458 m above sea level!
Hike to the Zwölferkogel in Obertraun
High-alpine tour of about 3.5 hours. The mountain enthusiast will be rewarded with a fantastically beautiful distant view. And as an encore, Lake Hallstatt at their feet. The tour is moderately difficult and is also suitable for experienced and well-equipped mountain climbing families.
Mountain huts in the Dachstein hiking world
Simony hut (Simonyhütte) Hallstatt
Hallstatt / Obertraun | Simonyhütte: Nestled picturesquely at the foot of the Dachstein, with a beautiful view, the refuge is located 2,203m above sea level, amidst the impressive mountains of the Dachstein plateau.
Lodge on Mount Krippenstein
Obertraun | ‘Lodge am Krippenstein’: Nestled in the fulminant scenery of the Dachstein hiking world, this modern mountain lodge is a dream for walkers, families with children and sun worshipers.
Schilcherhaus on the Gjaidalm
Obertraun | Gjaidalm: Here you will find what you have often sought in vain elsewhere ... Relaxation - Tranquillity - Nature – Rest in a charming alpine landscape on the Dachstein plateau
Current weather view
Webcam Mount Krippenstein on Lake Hallstatt
Impressions from the Dachstein Hiking World and Free Sports Arena Krippenstein: View from the top station to the Dachstein glacier during a vacation in the Dachstein Salzkammergut holiday region around Lake Hallstatt in Austria.
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...