Hiking from the Gjaidalm to the Wiesberghaus to Hallstatt
First of all…
The following hike is a high alpine hiking tour. Mountain experience, stamina, sure-footedness and good preparation are the best prerequisites for a successful and safe day trip. Please do not attempt it wearing sports shoes, normal street shoes or flip-flops! This ensures nothing will get in the way of an adventurous hike. Still have questions? For more safety tips, click here ... And now enjoy reading about this tour.
Wiesberghaus - Easy Going!
This variant of a hike to the Wiesberghaus in the Dachstein hiking world is the most pleasant tour for many mountain enthusiasts. We save ourselves the strenuous ascent and leave it to the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car. On the plateau it's quite easy over hill and dale. However, pack your hiking poles for the descent to Hallstatt. Your knees will thank you!
On the way:
From the Gjaidalm to the Wiesberghaus to Hallstatt.
We start our tour at the valley station of the Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car in Obertraun. The cable cart takes us comfortably on three sections to the Krippeneck mountain station on the 2000 metre high Dachstein plateau. From here we hike on a road down to the Schilcherhaus on the Gjaidalm. From there we follow a well-signposted path westwards towards Simonyhütte and Wiesberghaus.
Neue Wege
Nach zirka einer dreiviertel Stunde teil sich der Weg. Wir folgen dem Wegweiser zum Wiesberghaus in der UNESCO Welterberegion Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. Nach zirka 45 Minuten durch die schroffe Steinlandschaft des Dachsteins haben wir auf dem gutausgebauten Wanderweg nach etwa 1 ½ Stunden unser Ziel erreicht: das Wiesberghaus. Nach einer gemütlichen Rast geht es dann frisch gestärkt talwärts in Richtung Hallstatt.
New paths
After about three quarters of an hour, the path divides. We follow the signpost to the Wiesberghaus in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. After about 45 minutes through the rugged stone landscape of the Dachstein, we reach our destination after about 1 ½ hours on the well-developed hiking trail: the Wiesberghaus. After a leisurely rest, we head downhill towards Hallstatt, freshly refreshed.
Down the valley to Lake Hallstatt
Walk through the so-called "Herrengasse" past the “Tiergartenloch”. This is about 150m off the trail, but is worth seeing due to its impressive size. Continue to the Tiergartenhütte (not managed), where you can take a short break and fill up your drinking water supply. Further down the trail you pass the "Jagerrast", where hikers can enjoy a beautiful view of Hallstatt Lahn.
The lake in front of you
From there you cross the serpentines of the forest road several times. We follow the signposts and reach the wildly romantic Echerntal valley. Lake Hallstatt is always in sight. The descent from the Wiesberghaus to Hallstatt takes about three hours. The way back to the cable car is more comfortable. You will need about half the walking time.
Exploration tip
For experienced hikers, the detour to the Ochsenkogel is worthwhile (about 1.5 hours to the summit), especially as from here you have a beautiful view of the entire Dachstein massif.
Our hiking tip:
Further hiking option: Simonyhütte
If you still feel like hiking further, you should conquer the Simonyhütte. The managed hut lies directly below the mighty Dachstein glacier. The walk from the Wiesberghaus to the Alpine Club Hut takes about 1 ½ hours. The wide hiking trail is well-maintained and also easy for families with children. We recommend spending the night at the Simony Hut, because the sunrise is simply fantastic! From the Simonyhütte there are then several possibilities to return to the mountain station on the Gjaidalm.
Tips: Hiking in autumn
Autumn is here! Hooray! The most beautiful hiking season of the year! However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when hiking, especially at this time of year.
- Plan tours properly.
- Start early. Especially for high alpine hikes.
- Attention: It gets dark early!
- If you are staying overnight in a hut, register in good time by telephone.
- Do not miss the last cable car ride down the mountain when on mountain tours.
- Information on the current operating times of the cable cars in connection with a hike can be found below under "Information at a Glance".
- Check snow conditions. Because at this time of the year the first snow can already fall in the high mountains.
- We have summarised further important safety tips below.
- We wish you an unforgettable hiking autumn in the Salzkammergut.
Your editorial team
Safety Tips for Hikers
Admittedly, the landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is the absolute pinnacle for hiking fans, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers—unforgettable tours to incredibly beautiful mountain lodges and meadows, panorama views as far as the eye can see and cherished moments that will last a lifetime! However, you should remember that while hiking you might find yourself in high-alpine terrain. We’ve put together some resources to assist you: how to best prepare for your tour, recommended items for your backpack and steps to take in an emergency situation. Remember to always play it safe and enjoy your hiking adventure in the Salzkammergut!
Einkehrmöglichkeiten & weitere Angebote
Mountain Adventures in Obertraun
Obertraun | Krippenstein: Discover the fairytale world of the Ice cave and follow in the footsteps of the cave researchers through the Mammut Cave and Koppenbrüller Cave. Feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins on the 5fingers viewing platform.
Schilcherhaus on the Gjaidalm
Obertraun | Gjaidalm: Here you will find what you have often sought in vain elsewhere ... Relaxation - Tranquillity - Nature – Rest in a charming alpine landscape on the Dachstein plateau
Events along the way
Daily tours through the Ice cave
Tue, Oct. 3, 2023 Dachstein-Giant-Ice cave, Obertraun
Daily tours through the Mammut Cave
Tue, Oct. 3, 2023 Dachstein-Giant-Ice cave, Obertraun
"Obertraun Mountain Moments 2023" Sunrise on the Krippenstein with Alpine Breakfast
Sat, Oct. 7, 2023 06:15 — 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Obertraun
"Obertraun Mountain Moments 2023" Religious worship on the Krippenstein
Thu, Oct. 26, 2023 10:30 Heilbronner Chapel, Obertraun
"Obertraun Mountain Moments 2023": Full moon Trip by Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable Car
Sat, Oct. 28, 2023 16:30 — 21:00 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Obertraun
Available accommodation for your hiking holiday in the Salzkammergut
Autumn is here! Hooray! The most beautiful hiking season of the year! However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when hiking, especially at this time of year. Your editorial team Admittedly, the landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is the absolute pinnacle for hiking fans, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers—unforgettable tours to incredibly beautiful mountain lodges and meadows, panorama views as far as the eye can see and cherished moments that will last a lifetime! However, you should remember that while hiking you might find yourself in high-alpine terrain. We’ve put together some resources to assist you: how to best prepare for your tour, recommended items for your backpack and steps to take in an emergency situation. Remember to always play it safe and enjoy your hiking adventure in the Salzkammergut!
Tips: Hiking in autumnSafety Tips for Hikers