Hiking in Ramsau am DachsteinBlog
Hiking in Ramsau am Dachstein – from easy family walks to summit climbs. 7 hikes with distance, elevation gain & local insider tips from Mountain Hostel.
The 7 most beautiful hikes (with map & tips)
Ramsau am Dachstein is one of the most beautiful hiking regions in Austria, and that is no exaggeration. Nestled between the Dachstein massif and the Enns valley, the region offers more than 300 kilometres of marked trails, dramatic glacier panoramas and alpine meadows that smell of freedom. If you stay at Mountain Hostel, all of this is literally on your doorstep.
In this guide we present the 7 most beautiful hikes around Ramsau am Dachstein, from relaxed family walks to demanding glacier hikes, including distance, elevation gain, difficulty and our honest insider tips.
Why Ramsau am Dachstein is a hiking paradise
Ramsau lies at around 1,100 metres above sea level, so many hikes start at an altitude that elsewhere you would first have to climb to. That saves time and energy. On top of that comes the unique landscape: the rugged Dachstein glacier to the north, the gentler slopes of the Enns valley to the south, and wide alpine meadows and rushing streams in between.
The Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, included in summer when you book the main house of Mountain Hostel, makes many cable car rides free – a real advantage if you want to save your legs and still enjoy summit views.
The 7 best hikes from Ramsau am Dachstein
1. Ramsau circular trail – the classic starter
Difficulty: easy | Distance: approx. 8 km | Elevation gain: ~120 m | Duration: 2–2.5 hrs
The Ramsau circular trail is the perfect first hike – ideal for families with small children, older guests or anyone who simply wants to stretch their legs after a long journey. The path leads through picturesque alpine pastures, past traditional wooden farmhouses, and offers repeated open views of the Dachstein.
Our tip: walk it in the morning – the morning light on the Dachstein glacier is simply incredible. Ideal as your first hike after arriving at Mountain Hostel.
2. Südwandsteig to the Dachstein-Südwand hut
Difficulty: moderate | Distance: approx. 10 km | Elevation gain: ~700 m | Duration: 3.5–4.5 hrs
This hike leads up to the Dachstein-Südwand hut at 1,871 metres. The path winds through larch forests and across alpine pastures; the last section requires a little sure-footedness. The view from the hut, right below the mighty south face of the Dachstein, is one of the most spectacular moments the region has to offer.
Our tip: plan a stop at the hut! It serves home-made food. With the Sommercard, the cable car ride for the way back is free – perfect when your legs are already tired.
3. Gjaidalm & Feisterscharte – the heart of Ramsau
Difficulty: moderate | Distance: approx. 14 km | Elevation gain: ~850 m | Duration: 5–6 hrs
The hike to the Gjaidalm (1,698 m) and on to the Feisterscharte is one of the Ramsau classics. The Gjaidalm itself is a staffed hut set idyllically on a large alpine pasture – a perfect resting place with a view of the Dachstein. If you continue up to the Feisterscharte, you are rewarded with a panorama like no other.
Our tip: this hike is great for experienced families with children aged 10 and up. Start early (8 am at the latest) to avoid the cable car crowds and to arrive while the weather is good.
4. Dachstein glacier circuit (with cable car)
Difficulty: easy–moderate | Distance: approx. 5 km (at the top) | Elevation gain: ~200 m | Duration: 2–3 hrs
The Dachstein glacier cable car takes you up to more than 2,700 metres, where you suddenly stand in the middle of eternal ice. The glacier circuit leads across several viewing platforms, past the Five Fingers viewpoint (an absolute highlight!) and gives you a glimpse into the glacier labyrinth. Even on hot summer days it is cool up here – don't forget a jacket!
With the Sommercard: the ride up is discounted in summer with the included Sommercard. Combine the tour with a visit to the Ice Cave or the Mammoth Cave (also included in the Sommercard).
Good to know: the Five Fingers viewpoint on the Dachstein is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Austria and a must-see in the Schladming-Dachstein region.
5. Steirische Kalkspitze (2,459 m) – for summit seekers
Difficulty: difficult | Distance: approx. 16 km | Elevation gain: ~1,350 m | Duration: 6–7 hrs
If you want real mountain air and are a strong walker, the Steirische Kalkspitze is your goal. The hike is long, demanding and requires absolute sure-footedness in the upper section. The reward: a 360-degree panorama over the entire Enns valley, the Dachstein and, on clear days, as far as the Niedere Tauern.
Our tip: only start in stable weather! Ask at the Mountain Hostel reception – we know the local weather forecast and are happy to share information on current trail conditions.
6. Dachstein trails & forest adventure path – the secret tip
Difficulty: easy | Distance: approx. 6 km | Elevation gain: ~100 m | Duration: 1.5–2 hrs
It doesn't always have to be a summit. The forest adventure path around Ramsau is ideal for children and nature-loving adults. Along the way there are information stations on alpine flora and fauna, small streams for splashing and quiet forest sections to unwind.
Perfect for: families with toddlers (pushchairs possible on some sections), rest days between more demanding hikes, an evening walk before the campfire at the hostel.
7. Planai summit hike – the ski mountain in summer
Difficulty: moderate | Distance: approx. 12 km (up & down) | Elevation gain: ~1,050 m | Duration: 4–5 hrs
Everyone knows the Planai (1,906 m) as a World Cup ski mountain; in summer it reveals itself as a wonderful hiking mountain with stunning views over Schladming and the Enns valley. If you don't want to climb, take the Planai gondola up (included with the Sommercard!) and just hike the summit area.
From Mountain Hostel you can quickly reach the gondola station in Schladming by bus or car.
Practical hiking tips for Ramsau am Dachstein
Best time to hike: mid-June to mid-October; July and August offer the most reliable conditions
Equipment: sturdy hiking boots are a must, even for easy hikes; sun protection is especially important on glacier tours
Weather: always check the local mountain weather forecast (alpenwetter.eu)
Huts: many huts are open until autumn, reservations recommended
Safety: if in doubt, think smaller – Ramsau offers plenty of wonderful hikes without extreme tours
Your base: Mountain Hostel Ramsau am Dachstein
As an affordable hostel with views of the Planai, Mountain Hostel is the ideal base for all the hikes presented here. You can reach most trailheads on foot or within a few minutes' drive. The generous breakfast buffet gives you energy for the day, the sauna relaxes tired muscles after your hike, and in the evening you can swap stories with other hikers at the campfire.