What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough. Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage. Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable. Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food. If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

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The Dachstein Circuit

10 days / 9 nights

Circumnavigate the stunning Dachstein massif, passing glacial lakes, ancient salt mines, and UNESCO World Heritage sites upon unforgettable high-altitude trails.

Starting point

Gosau

Finish point

Gosau

Season

From July to September

Technical level

4/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Circumnavigate the stunning Dachstein massif, passing glacial lakes, ancient salt mines, and UNESCO World Heritage sites upon unforgettable high-altitude trails.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.380 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

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Circumnavigate the stunning Dachstein massif, passing glacial lakes, ancient salt mines, and UNESCO World Heritage sites upon unforgettable high-altitude trails.

Starting point

Gosau

Finish point

Gosau

Season

From July to September

Technical level

4/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Highlights

Hike beneath the towering peaks of the Dachstein massif in the south of the Salzkammergut region
Traverse diverse landscapes of a UNESCO World Heritage region
Stay in a mix of traditional huts and comfortable hotels, feeling the Austrian hospitality
Enjoy breathtaking viewpoints such as from the Rinderfeld or Hofpürglhütte
Encounter natural wonders, including turquoise lakes and expansive glaciers
Discover hidden gems like Hallstatt, the ancient lakeside village with UNESCO recognition

Itinerary of the trip

Upon arriving in Gosau, located in the scenic Salzkammergut region, you'll be at the foot of the Dachstein massif, ready to begin your adventure on the Dachstein Circuit. The village, known for its proximity to the crystal-clear Lake Gosausee and stunning views of the Dachstein Glacier, offers a peaceful alpine setting. Historically a farming village, Gosau now serves as a popular hub for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether arriving by regional bus or arranged private transfer, you'll have time to check into your accommodation and prepare for the trek.

Accommodation

COOEE alpin Hotel Dachstein

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

A short bus ride will bring you to Gosausee Lake, where you can catch the first reflection of the Dachstein peaks in the water. From the lake's shore, a cable car ride brings you to the Zwieselalm and the Gablonzer Hütte. The high-altitude trail offers panoramic views, with the Gosau-Torstein and Schneeloch glaciers forming a stunning backdrop. The route follows the historical "Bibelweg," once used during the Counter-Reformation to smuggle religious materials. Along the way, the striking Gosaukamm ridge and the towering Torstein gradually come into view, and the Hofpürglhütte soon appears in the distance.

Hiking

10.5 km and 630 m of elevation gain / 410 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hofpürglhütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Leaving the Hofpürglhütte, the trail climbs steeply, reaching altitudes of over 2300 meters. The route initially leads to the Rinderfeld, a vast alpine pasture dotted with limestone boulders and sweeping views of the Hohe Tauern peaks. The climb continues towards the "Tor," the highest point of the day, crossing into Styria from Salzburg. The dramatic cliffs of Gosaustein and Hochkesselkopf will dominate the alpine scenery. After a scenic pause at the Südwandhütte, the trail winds down towards Ramsau. A final descent takes you through meadows and beneath the towering rock formations to the Türlwand.

Hiking

19 km and 1100 m of elevation gain / 1700 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Bergkristallhaus

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Starting from your hotel, the day's hike begins with a walk across the Ramsau plateau, offering a continuous view of the majestic Dachstein massif. Following trail 616, the path gradually ascends through a sparse forest, transitioning into open alpine terrain. As you gain elevation, views of the Ramsau region and the distant Enns Valley become more striking, while the peaks of the Lower and Higher Tauern form a dramatic backdrop. After a steady climb, you will reach the Guttenberghaus, perched at 2147 meters on a grassy hilltop.

Hiking

8 km and 1100 m of elevation gain / 70 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Guttenberghaus

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Today's hike takes you across the high plateau of "Am Stein," a blend of rocky terrain, alpine meadows, and serene forest sections. The initial part of the trail leads you over open meadows before the path ascends through a forest to Grafenbergalm at 1783 meters. This peaceful alpine pasture is surrounded by pine trees and offers a beautiful spot to take in the Dachstein Glacier from a distance. From here, the route continues, descending through forest paths and passing by small mountain lakes before rising again to the Stoderzinken slopes.

Hiking

14 km and 650 m of elevation gain / 970 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Stoderhütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Today takes you from the Stoderzinken down through the historic Notgasse, a narrow gorge once used as a merchant passage, where rock walls soar up to 60 meters and feature ancient carvings dating back nearly 2000 years. After passing through the larch forest, the trail opens to the expansive alpine pastures of Viehbergalm, where you can sample local alpine produce. Continuing along the path, you ascend to the summit of Hochmühleck at 1731 meters. From the peak, the trail descends steeply through forest paths towards Steinitzenalm and eventually leads to the spa town of Bad Mitterndorf.

Hiking

19 km and 680 m of elevation gain / 1700 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel-Restaurant Grimmingblick

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

This day's journey begins with a short train ride from Bad Mitterndorf to Bad Aussee. From there, a gentle walk takes you through the Koppen Valley, following the turquoise waters of the Traun River. As you stroll downhill through this picturesque landscape, you'll encounter the Koppenbrüllerhöhle Cave. You can visit the cave and continue to Obertraun's train station to board the ferry across Lake Hallstatt. The ferry takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, known for its ancient salt mines and 16th-century architecture.

Hiking

14.5 km and 210 m of elevation gain / 350 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Seehotel Grüner Baum

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

You'll take the ferry back across the lake to Hallstatt station. From there, the hike begins along the scenic eastern shore of Lake Hallstättersee, passing through Au on the way to Bad Goisern. A suspension bridge along the route spans the lake's deepest section. From Bad Goisern, the trail leads steeply upwards past the Trockentannalm to the Goisererhütte, which sits at 1592 meters. The ascent is rewarded with impressive panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Tote Gebirge range and views stretching down to Bad Goisern.

Hiking

17 km and 1170 m of elevation gain / 100 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Goisererhütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

After departing from Goisererhütte, the descent leads through beautiful alpine terrain, with dwarf pines, alpine roses, and old larch trees accompanying the trail. Along the way, you’ll pass small, stone-walled alpine huts that add to the charm of the scenery. Continuing through the forest, the route takes you down to Iglmoosalm. The final stretch of the descent brings you back to the village of Gosau, where the mountain views remain a striking feature of the landscape.

Hiking

6.5 km and 30 m of elevation gain / 870 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

COOEE alpin Hotel Dachstein

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After completing the Dachstein Circuit, departure from Gosau is straightforward. Private transfers can be arranged directly from your accommodation in Gosau to your next destination or nearby transport hubs such as Hallstatt or Salzburg, depending on your onward travel plans. If using public transportation, Gosau is connected by regional buses, with routes to major towns like Bad Goisern or Golling, where train connections are available.

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

4 nights in mountain huts with half-board

5 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Additional transfers

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

Circumnavigating the stunning Dachstein massif, the Dachstein Circuit leads hikers through a UNESCO World Heritage region known for its jagged peaks, expansive glaciers, and charming alpine towns like Hallstatt.

Each day of the hike presents a new facet of the mountains, from the reflective waters of Lake Gosausee to the towering cliffs of Gosaustein and Hochkesselkopf. It is a perfect combination of challenging alpine terrain, scenic mountain views, and historic cultural experiences.

The Dachstein Circuit offers a mix of technical terrain and panoramic views over the Dachstein Glacier, the Hohe Tauern peaks, and tranquil alpine meadows. Paths are well-marked, with steep climbs and descents along the way.

Despite the altitude and long hiking days, cable cars and funiculars help to make some of the more challenging ascents accessible, allowing hikers to fully appreciate the high-altitude trails.

Hikers are welcomed into cozy mountain lodges like the Hofpürglhütte and Goisererhütte, where a warm meal and cold beer await, while lower-level hotels provide more comfort in picturesque towns.

Highlights include the historical Notgasse Gorge, ancient caves, and the breathtaking views from the summit of Hochmühleck. The hike is perfect for experienced hikers looking for an immersive alpine adventure, with the convenience of luggage transfers and comfortable accommodations to ease the journey.

Our services for the Dachstein Circuit include detailed trail maps, booking accommodations in both rustic huts and inns, the possibility of luggage transfers, and customer support.

We also help with logistics and transportation from start to finish, ensuring a seamless and memorable hiking experience in one of Austria’s most scenic regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you. However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.380 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+59

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

My friend and I went with Triglav Tours for a 3 day, 2 night hike this summer and had the most amazing time!! Our guide, Bine, was awesome and had lots of cool facts to share about the area we were hiking. Additionally, my friend and I had not completed such a technical hike before and the guide and other guests were very patient with us and encouraging, ensuring we felt safe the entire time. The overnights were also such a fun way to get to know Bine, the other guests, and other hikers as well. Cannot recommend Triglav tours enough!!!

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Michael White

Verified customer

I arranged a six-day/five-night trip with Hut to Hut Slovenia. It's the first time I've gone with a tour organizer and I can say it went really well. In the past I've arranged huts myself and it is a huge hassle figuring out how to make the bookings, if the bookings actually exist, and what good/viable routes might be. Having this all sort was, at least to me, totally worth it. The routing is via Ride with GPS, which was great. I'd recommend bringing 1:25,000 scale paper maps as a backup, just in case. The huts themselves differ wildly. Some are really rustic with, ahem, interesting toilet facilities. One was accessible by road and thus had showers, a long menu, and even espresso. All will have some sort of food, but you might only have two options for dinner (one with meat, one vegetarian). The cuisine in the Slovenian huts leans strongly to stews and goulashes with minimal fresh vegetables and/or fruit. Certainly good and hearty but pretty much everyone I talked to said the food was better in the Italian and Austrian huts. Some huts are cash only, some take cards (but the card reader might be down). A 1.5 litre bottle of water is about 6 euro, so if you have a beer with dinner and also buy lunch you need to carry about 25-30 euro per day in cash (assuming you have a booking that includes breakfast). Of the six days of hiking, four were ridiculously spectacular, with the highlight being sunrise from Mt Stol. Getting up to the high mountains, though, can be crazy steep, with switchbacks only sparsely used. Descents are similarly tough, and you have to watch every step. For the first time ever I used trekking poles and my knees thank me. Two days were a bit of a slog, but this is probably unavoidable getting up to or down from the high terrain. Would I do something like this again? Yes, absolutely! But next time it will probably be the Dolomites.

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

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Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

Tina and her team gave me perfect support on my hut hike through the Triglav National Park in July. In particular, they had to cater to my specific needs twice, which they did for me with no problem. I once had to cancel at short notice before the start of the trip because my father was not feeling well, but then we found a solution and I was able to start the hike. Tina and team first canceled the huts immediately and then reserved them again for me. Even when my condition caused a little tour change again, I immediately had suggestions and these were immediately available in the Trip plans app. I liked this app very much because it was easy to handle and the huttohut-team gave a short overview how the daily tour will be and which highlights – mostly beautiful views – I will see“

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

Show all 3 photos

Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Michael White

Verified customer

Show all 10 photos

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

Show all 3 photos

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

Only the best adventures across the world, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the regions.

VALUE YOUR TIME

With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.

TRUSTED BY MANY

Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

We are a team of outdoor specialists equipped with the knowledge and insight to bring you the best hiking experiences.

from 1.380 € /person

The Dachstein Circuit

Choose your style

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Gosau

Day 2: Gosau – Hofpürglhütte

Day 3: Hofpürglhütte – Ramsau am Dachstein

Day 4: Ramsau am Dachstein – Guttenberghaus

Day 5: Guttenberghaus – Stoderhütte

Day 6: Stoderhütte – Bad Mitterndorf

Day 7: Bad Mitterndorf – Hallstatt

Day 8: Hallstatt – Goisererhütte

Day 9: Goisererhütte – Gosau

Day 10: Departure from Gosau

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

What to bring to the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Choose your style

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

VALUE YOUR TIME

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

TRUSTED BY MANY

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Gosau

Day 2: Gosau – Hofpürglhütte

Day 3: Hofpürglhütte – Ramsau am Dachstein

Day 4: Ramsau am Dachstein – Guttenberghaus

Day 5: Guttenberghaus – Stoderhütte

Day 6: Stoderhütte – Bad Mitterndorf

Day 7: Bad Mitterndorf – Hallstatt

Day 8: Hallstatt – Goisererhütte

Day 9: Goisererhütte – Gosau

Day 10: Departure from Gosau

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

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