Gosausee Lakes and Valley

The mighty Dachstein, the eastern bastion of the Northern Limestone Alps, are a sheer crown of dramatic jagged peaks and cliffs rising to almost 3,000m on its south-western rim. A ridge of superb peaks and spires, the Gosaukamm, marches westward from the main massif, containing perhaps the most inspiring scenery of the whole range, although not the highest; some call it the Salzburg Dolomites.

The relatively low Gosausee Lakes and valley lie in a deep trough to the north of the superb Gosaukamm, and make for fabulous and varied walking.

You can walk by the lower Vorderer Gosausee lake, which is famous for its views into the heart of the wild high Dachstein, and up the superb valley to the smaller, perfect Hinterer Gosausee. Relax in the meadows at its head, or eat (and stay) in the hut there. 3.5 hrs return.

Another couple of hours on is the Adamek Hut (in the high mountains at 2,196m), whence you can head on to the highest Dachstain peaks. Or you can cross the high plateau to the north-east of the Hinterer Gosausee to reach the Hallstatter See in a splendid day's walk. You can also use the cable car from the bottom of the Vorderer Gosausee to reach the Gablonzer Hutte on the flanks of the Gosaukamm for a selection of high-level walks, including sections of (or the beginning of!) the Gosaukamm Circuit. A wonderful area to base yourself for a few days' walking

Have a look at TripAdvisor - you should get good, current views on places to stay, eat etc in the area.

Walking in Austria - Kev Reynolds for Cicerone: more than 100 walks in the Austrian Alps, including in the Dachstein. As usual, an inspiring book, packed with valuable information, including good detail on the routes. As Austrian maps are good, it has less on each walk that some other Cicerones, but that is fine. Recommended. Find relevant books on Amazon.

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For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Dachstein walk page.