Hiking in Austria: Discover the Dachstein West Hiking World on the Zwieselalm in Gosau - © Kraft

Hike to the Donnerkogel in Gosau

For the experienced mountaineer

The view from the Donnerkogel over the Gosau valley behind to Lake Gosau is one of the most beautiful for mountain hikers in the entire Salzkammergut. But be careful: Only well-equipped and experienced mountain enthusiasts should set off on this hike.

By train to the starting point

Modern technology helps us to climb up. In this case, the Gosaukamm cable car, which takes us safely and comfortably to the starting point of our almost 2.5-hour hike. We have summarised the current travel times of the cable car for you below under "Information at a glance".

The gehts!

From the mountain station of the Gosaukamm cable car, you first hike on the wide hiking trail to the Gablonzerhütte and Breininghütte and then turn left onto hiking trail no. 611 (Austriaweg).

Past lush alpine meadows, you hike up to the Obere Törleck at the foot of the small Donnerkogel. From there it goes a little downhill and after reaching the Unterer Törlecksattel, turn left at the fork in the road (the right path is the Austriaweg to the Stuhlalm) onto the steep and partly exposed summit trail no. 628.

Note: In the immediate vicinity is also the entrance to the popular Intersport via ferrata with the Himmelsleiter to the Donnerkogel.

Summit bliss with panoramic views

First, the summit trail no. 628 passes green alders and mountain pines, then you hike over rock slabs, scree, steep rocky steps and through a short rock gorge towards the summit. After about 1.5 hours you will reach the summit and will be rewarded with a 360° panoramic view of the Dachstein, the Gosaukamm, the Bischofsmütze and the wonderful view down to Lake Gosau. The descent follows the same route! Allow about 2 hours for the way back. And note the exact travel times of the Gosaukamm cable car for a return trip from the mountain.

Tips: Hiking in spring

The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:

Tips: Hiking in spring

The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:

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!

Warning: Closed trails
Better to know before you go

Hiking trails in the Salzkammergut can be closed for various reasons. To help you prepare for your hike, we have set up a page with current road closures in the region. This will help you get to your destination without any detours or stress. Click here to visit the page...

More offers around this hiking tour

Gablonzer hut / Gablonzerhütte

Wanderregion Dachstein West in Gosau: Gablonzerhütte auf der Zwieselalm in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut

Hiking World "Dachstein West" in Gosau

© Kraft  Wanderregion Dachstein West in Gosau

Events along the way

Wed, May. 1, 2024 Car park Goisern Mitte, Bad Goisern

Thu, May. 9, 2024 09:15 — 17:00 Zwieselalm, Gosau

Sun, Jul. 7, 2024 11:00 — 19:00 Zwieselalm, Gosau

Thu, Aug. 15, 2024 11:00 Zwieselalm, Gosau

Sun, Oct. 13, 2024 11:00 Zwieselalm, Gosau

Available accommodation for your hiking holiday in the Salzkammergut

Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.