Obertraun Mountain Experience - "From Krippenstein to Guttenberghaus"

Crossing the Dachstein Plateau on the Historic Pathway

The best impression of the Dachstein Plateau is gained through a very scenic crossing along ancient paths that have been traversed by people for millennia. From the Krippenstein-Oberfeld, we follow the historical route used by the farmers of Schladming to drive their cattle to the high pastures. This takes us through the expansive karst landscape "Am Stein," shaped by the ice ages. The path winds up and down through the rugged Dachstein limestone, larch forests, shallower and deeper karst basins, and over gentle hills that invite us to pause and take in the views. Only shortly before reaching the Feisterscharte (2198 m) between Eselstein and Sinabel do we encounter some cable protections. These add an alpine touch to the adventure but can be easily overcome during the ascent. We then arrive at the Guttenberghaus (2146 m), which offers magnificent views of the Ennstal valley and the Tauern mountains. It is the easternmost hut of the Alpine Club on the Dachstein and at an elevation of 2,146 m, it is the highest mountain hut in Styria.

After a substantial rest at the welcoming hut, we continue our journey down into the valley. In countless switchbacks, we descend on gravel paths first through the Tiefkar to the Lärchboden, where we encounter the gravel road. At the Bio-Hotel and Restaurant Feisterer, which offers organic products from its own farm, our taxi bus awaits to take us back to Obertraun.

Important Information and Key Details for the Hike:
Meeting Point: 08:20 AM at the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car valley station
Start: 08:40 AM from the cable car
Technical Data: 460 meters of ascent, 1050 meters of descent, 13.5 kilometers
Requirements: Endurance, sure-footedness, and freedom from vertigo are necessary.
Pure Walking Time: approx. 6.5 hours, total duration including transport: 9 to 10 hours, with a stop at the Guttenberghaus
Return: approx. 7:30 PM / 8:00 PM
Dates: July 25, 2026, August 15, 2026, September 19, 2026, and upon request
Price: €148.00 per person
Equipment: Backpack, sufficient drinks and snacks, sturdy hiking boots, hiking clothing, hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen, rain protection
Registration: Martha Rieß, Wieserfeldplatz 6 a, 4400 Steyr
Tel. +43 664 3969645, E-Mail: martha.riess@bergwandern.co.at, Web: http://www.bergwandern.co.at/

The Obertraun Mountain Experience
As part of the Obertraun Mountain Experience, guided family hikes to high alpine tours on the Dachstein Krippenstein are offered from July to October. During sunrise and full moon excursions, you will experience unique moments at over 2,000 meters. Enjoy the view from the 5fingers over the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. Every Wednesday, you can listen to the sounds of the alpine horn players gliding over Lake Hallstatt. More information and the current program can be found on the Obertraun Mountain Experience website.

Experience a 360° panoramic tour on the Dachstein Krippenstein…