Dachstein hiking tour Circular hiking trail
Around the Dachstein
The Dachstein Circular Hiking Trail is one of the most beautiful multi-day hikes in the Alps, covering approximately 136 kilometers through the provinces of Styria, Upper Austria, and Salzburg. The route circles the Dachstein massif and connects the regions of Schladming-Dachstein, Ausseerland-Salzkammergut, Dachstein Salzkammergut, Filzmoos, and Tennengau.
The hike consists of 8 individually planable stages through alpine landscapes, historic sites, and the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. Along the way, you’ll learn interesting facts about the history of the Dachstein, the cultural development of the region, geological features, and notable figures associated with the mountain range.
The Dachstein, with its highest peak, the Hoher Dachstein (2,996 m), dominates the entire route and accompanies you on a varied circular hike between 495 and 2,700 meters above sea level.
Facts
- Length: 136 kilometers
- Stages: 8 daily stages that can be planned individually
- Walking time: 4–8 hours per day on average
- Altitude: 495 to 2,700 meters
- Highest peak: Hoher Dachstein (2,996 meters)
- Provinces: Styria, Upper Austria, and Salzburg
- Regions around the Dachstein: Tennengau, Filzmoos, Schladming-Dachstein, Ausseerland-Salzkammergut, Dachstein Salzkammergut
Regions
- Tennengau - Dachstein West
- Mountain Village Filzmoos
- Schladming-Dachstein
- Ausseerland - Salzkammergut
- Dachstein Salzkammergut
King Dachstein Trail
in the trail running paradise of Salzkammergut
Questions & Answers
The Dachstein Hiking Tour is a multi-day hiking trail around the Dachstein mountain range in Austria. The route is about 136 kilometers long and passes through three Austrian states. It is usually completed in 8 stages.
Various hiking packages are available for the Dachstein Hiking Tour – from the classic full tour and hut-to-hut hikes to family-friendly offers and shorter options for relaxed or sporty hikers. Most packages also include accommodation and luggage transfer.
The Dachstein Hiking Tour is a moderate to challenging multi-day hike. The trail follows mountain paths, alpine meadows, and high mountain terrain. Good fitness, sure-footedness, and proper hiking gear are recommended. With different route options available, the tour offers something for both relaxed hikers and those looking for a bigger challenge. The trails are well marked, but some signs may be hidden by snow early in the season. Guided tours with an experienced mountain guide are available on request. Please follow all safety tips and recommendations along the route.
Find all safety tips here.Yes, if you are planning your tour independently, booking the mountain huts well in advance is highly recommended, especially during the main hiking season from June to September. Many huts along the Dachstein Hiking Tour are very popular in the summer months, and without a reservation, a bed cannot be guaranteed.
If you book a hiking package, your overnight stays are arranged for you, so no separate hut reservations are necessary.
Yes, many Dachstein Hiking Tour packages include luggage transfer. Your luggage is moved from one accommodation to the next, so you can enjoy the hike more comfortably. Please note that luggage transfer is not available at some mountain huts. You can find more information in the package description.
The essential equipment includes hiking boots, functional outdoor clothing, a backpack, enough water and food, rain and sun protection, a first-aid kit, and a mobile phone. Hiking poles are also helpful on a multi-day hike.
Before each stage, be sure to check the weather forecast and current trail conditions.
In general, the Dachstein Hiking Tour can be hiked with a dog. However, some stages pass through alpine terrain and require good fitness and sure-footedness from both you and your dog. Please check the individual stages, accommodation options, and any restrictions in advance. Make sure to bring enough water, keep your dog on a leash where required, and be especially careful around grazing animals.
If you need to stop your tour or leave the trail before reaching the next hut, please inform the hut where you have a reservation as soon as possible that you will not be arriving.
This is important to prevent an unnecessary search and rescue operation.
In case of injury or an emergency, call the Mountain Rescue Emergency Number 140 and, if possible, stay in a safe location until help arrives.
Yes, if you are staying overnight in a mountain hut, you are generally expected to bring your own hut sleeping bag (sleeping bag liner) made of cotton or silk. Blankets are available in most huts.
We recommend travelling by public transport. The starting points of most stages are easy to reach by public transport. For the best information, please check the descriptions of the individual stages. You can find them...
...here.
