Austria - Dachstein [8 days]

Completed over 8 days, this Grand Hiking Tour of the Dachstein region takes you through the many scenic landscapes this part of the world has to offer. The Dachstein, although it cannot technically call itself one of the "3000 metre peaks" (actual height 2995m), is the second highest peak in the northern chalky alps. It has become particularly famous since 1997 when UNESCO added the Dachstein region, along with Hallstatt and the Inner Salzkammergut to its list of World Heritage sites. [scroll down for tour details]

Note: Hiking experience is recommended for this tour.

Tour Details:

Day 1 - Arrival at Hallstatt
Today you can visit Hallstatt and the local points of interest (salt mines and ice caves).

Day 2 - On the foot of the Dachstein Massif through the Koppen Valley
According to starting point you walk along the lake Hallstätter See to the wild, idyllic Koppen Valley. You can visit the cave Koppenbrüller Höhle. In the afternoon you will take the train to the health resort Bad Mitterndorf. Ascent 430 M, Descent 320 M, Distance 14.5 KM, Walking time 4 hours.

Day 3 – From the reservoir Salzastausee up to Viehbergalm and through the Öfen gorge down to Gröbming
Relaxed walk through meadows to the reservoir Salzastausee. Afterwards we follow the forest road to the alpine pasture Viehbergalm, where we have lunch and enjoy the view. Descent through the Öfen gorge to the little town Gröbming. Ascent 700 meters, descent 750, Distance 24 KM, Walking time 6,5 hours.

Day 4 – Mount Stoderzinken and on the high walk to Ramsau
By bus you get to the Steiner Hut, where your ascent to the mount Stoderzinken starts. You will walk towards lake Grafenbergersee and through Karst to the next hut. Downhill to the village Ramsau. Ascent 830 M, descent 1.370 M, Distance 19 KM, Walking time 6 hours.

Day 5 – Resting day on the Ramsau High Plateau
We recommend taking the cable car to the Dachstein glacier. If you wish to participate in a glacier or climbing tour. Alpine schools in Ramsau offer tours and rental equipments.

6. Day: Through the Dachsteinsüdwand to the Bischofsmütze (Bishops Cap)
By public bus and cable car we travel to the valley station of Dachstein. We walk on the high altitude path from the Südwand (rock walls on the southern face of the Dachstein massif – popular climbing area) to Bischofsmütze. Overnight in a hut or an alpine lodge. Ascent 850 m, descent 700 m, distance 12 KM, Walking time 4 hours.

Day 7 - Austriaweg to lake Gosausee
Today you will descend by cable car to Austriaweg. The view on the lake Gosausee with the summit of the Dachstein mirroring in the deep blue surface is the absolute highlight of the day. You will take the bus to go back to Bad Goisen. Ascent 300 m, Descent 550 m, distance 10 KM, Walking time 3 hours.

Day 8 - Individual Departure or extension of the stay

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Prices in GBP, USD and CAD are informative and may vary with the official exchange rate.

Please don't forget to choose the charity of your choice from our list!

Carbon Footprint for this package: EUR 2.50