Dachstein Loop Trail

Cycling in the fascinating world around Dachstein Mountain in the heart of Austria

Three provinces: Salzburg, Upper Austria and Styria surround the mighty Dachstein massif: it is understandable that one has tried to create a fantastic loop trail surrounding the huge Dachstein massif and signposted it.

A loop trail that has a length of more than 170km; a trail offering scenic beauty and technical challenges – but is not too difficult. The trail can be accessed at many villages at the edge of the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut, Styria or from Salzburg.

We’d like to describe this dreamlike trail starting from St. Agatha/Goisern. In the foothills of Pötschenpass we turn left into the initially steep Pötschenstraße street at the ÖMV petrol station. We pass Sarstein and continue until we get on top of the pass. After the pass we follow a forestry trail at the right and continue in direction Höheralm pasture and down to Lake Sommerbergsee.

On an asphalt road we continue in direction Bad Aussee (train station) and soon we can see the mighty Dachstein glacier at the right. Once in Bad Aussee we continue on a relatively even forestry trail along Grundlseer Traun River to Lake Ödensee near Pichl-Kainisch. Afterwards we cycle to Mühlreith, follow a forestry trail to Steinitzenalm pasture, from where one has a fantastic view of Grimming Mountain in the Ennstal valley.

Through Almgraben rift valley we get to Salza reservoir near Bad Mitterndorf. There it is advisable to look for accommodation before starting the ride up Viehbergalm pasture. From Viehbergalm one enjoys a fantastic view of the Dachstein glacier. It is worthwhile stopping at Lenis Hütte hut to taste the fresh farmers’ doughnuts. The downhill ride is a fast one… ...... etc.

Getting there:

different access spots for getting there: Bad Mitterndorf in direction Salza reservoir, Gröbming, Ramsau, Filzmoos, Bad Goisern/St. Agatha, Bad Aussee

Rest stops:

Many restaurants and guesthouses are to be found especially in the classic tourist villages of Ramsau, Filzmoos, Rußbach, Bad Goisern, Bad Aussee, Bad Mitterndorf. You can also stop at a hut at Viehbergalm pasture of Zwieselalm pasture.

Brief description:

a dreamlike loop trail through the fantastic landscape surrounding Dachstein massif. Can be easily conquered in 4 to 5 days.

Road surface:

asphalt: 80.66km gravel: 88.88km cart way: 2.92km steep path: 0.54km