Dachstein Dreams: A Four-Day Alpine Traverse

What to expect

This hut-to-hut trek in the Dachstein Massif is a dream for anyone who enjoys a few solid days on the trail—setting off in the morning and reaching a cozy hut by late afternoon. Starting from Ramsau am Dachstein, the path climbs through meadows and rocky slopes to the Guttenberghaus, perched high above the valley with sweeping views. From there, the route crosses the high karst plateau, an otherworldly landscape of limestone and alpine flowers, before reaching the peaceful Gjaidalm. The trail then ascends to the Simonyhütte, bringing you right to the edge of the glacier and the dramatic heart of the Dachstein. Finally, descend to the welcoming Wiesberghaus and continue down to Hallstätter See—the perfect place for a refreshing swim

Physical requirements

You need to be able to walk comfortably on narrow hiking paths, which are at times exposed and covered with lose rocks and tree roots. We hike about 4 - 5 hours each day (not including breaktime) on gravel paths or narrow hiking trails. You should be sure-footed and free of giddiness and there are some technically difficult parts on the trek, which you need to be comfortable with. This includes holding on to metal railings in exposed areas, walking on uneven, rocky terrain and ascending or descending steep slopes. 

Fitness	Medium (3/5) A mix of longer and shorter distances and altitude gain each day.
Difficulty	Medium (3/5) Mostly narrow hiking paths, which are at times steep.

Please note that it is your responsibility to make sure that you are fit enough and able to participate in this trip. If you have never hiked with me before or are unsure whether you meet the physical and technical requirements or whether you have the right equipment, I’d be very happy to speak over the phone with you about the trip in advance. Please keep in mind that, no matter how the routes are rated, multi-day hikes in the Alps may feel difficult if you have not hiked in the Alps before.

Service included

• Organised trip by a registered travel company
• Guided hikes by a fully qualified UIMLA & VDBS International Mountain Leader
• Information package about the trip and the area including a packing list
• 3xhut nights in shared rooms or dormitories incl. half-board

Extra costs on tour

• Public transport to the start and from the end of the trek
• Lunch, snacks and beverages during the trip

Accommodation

The huts are simple mountain huts, and all offer shared rooms, which are shared with other hikers if we do not fill all beds and the hut is fully booked. All huts have shared washing facilities, and some huts offer showers at additional cost. The huts serve buffet-style continental breakfast and a set multi-course dinner. The huts aim to cater for dietary restrictions; however it is not always possible given their simple facilities and remoteness of their location. If you have any dietary requirements, please communicate them in advance. We stay two nights in the valley in simple hotels that also offer shared rooms with private bathrooms.

Please note that not all huts have opened their booking process yet. While I have confirmed reservations for most huts, minor route adjustments may be possible depending on availability. Any potential adjustments will not affect the overall tour experience, price, or cancellation terms.

Travel

Start: Munich main station at around 7:00 am on Day 1.
End: Munich main station at around 8 pm on the last day.

You can travel with me from Munich Main Station to the start of the hike and return to Munich on the last day. Once you have signed up, I will send you the train connections three months before the trip. Alternatively, you are welcome to travel individually and meet the group at the start of the hike, and leave the group at the end of the hike.

If you would like travel advice for getting to Munich or to the start and end points of the trek, as well as hotel recommendations in Munich or in the Alps before or after the trip, or holiday ideas to extend your stay, please feel free to contact me directly.

Programme

Day 1 – Guttenberghaus (2147 m)
6 km, ↑ 1100 m, 3.5 hrs hiking, 5 hours in total
We meet at Munich or Salzburg main station and continue by public transport to Ramsau am Dachstein, where the ascend to our overnight hut starts. We start on a wide forest path that soon turn into a narrow hiking trail with great views towards the main Alpine ridge until we reach Guttenberghaus, which sits like on a balcony of the Dachstein massif.

Day 2 – Gjaidalm (1738 m)
13 km, ↑200 m, ↓650 m, 4 hrs hiking, approx. 6 hrs in total
The hike from Guttenberghaus to Gjaidalm begins with a steep rope-secured climb up to the Finsterscharte at 2,198 meters. From there, the trail descends gently across the wide Dachstein plateau, a landscape of pale limestone, scattered alpine meadows, and deep karst hollows. The view stretches endlessly over this high, open world of rock and light. Reaching Gjaidalm feels like arriving in a little green oasis, warmly run by a Nepali family who add a touch of Himalayan spirit to the Alps with their hospitality and delicious food.

Day 3: Wiesberghaus (1872 m)
10 km, ↑ 650 m, ↓500, 4 hrs hiking, approx. 6 hrs in total
The hike from Gjaidalm to Wiesberghaus via Simonyhütte begins across the rolling karst terrain, a mix of rocky ups and downs with sweeping alpine views. The trail then climbs steeply on a rope-secured path up to the Simonyhütte (2205 m), where we are rewarded with great food and a breathtaking view of the glacier. After a short return along the same route, the path continues easily across open mountain slopes toward Wiesberghaus.

Day 4 – Hallstätter See (527 m)
10 km, ↓ 1350 m, 3 hrs hiking, 4 hrs in total
From Wiesberghaus, a narrow hiking trail winds steadily down through forests and rocky slopes toward the shimmering Hallstätter See. Reaching the lakeshore, we can refresh in the water and stroll through the picturesque town of Hallstatt with its charming alleys and lakeside houses. A short ferry ride takes us across the calm water, and from there the train takes us back toward Salzburg and Munich.

Note that our hiking days may differ from the described programme due to weather and path conditions or the physical ability of the group.

Make it a week-long trip and combine it with a yoga & hiking weekend.

Payment Information

Price: 695 €

A deposit of €150 is required within seven days of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the start date. Payment in instalments is possible; please contact me directly at info(at)shantitreks.com. Please note that the cancellation policy applies as outlined in the T&Cs.

Booking opens on Saturday, 15 November.