Hallstatt Mountains: Hiking, Skiing & Alpine view
Mountains around town Hallstatt offering incredible views of amazing nature. The mountainous landscape of Hallstatt is one of the most sought-after destinations for lovers of the Alps. This is mainly because Alpine nature has created something unique with an indescribable atmosphere here. You haven’t been there yet?
What mountain range is Hallstatt in?
The town of Hallstatt lies in Upper Austria, nestled between the southwestern shore of Lake Hallstatt and the towering Dachstein massif. The highest peak here is Hoher Dachstein (2,995 m), and this region forms part of the Salzkammergut, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This whole massif is located in the Salzkammergut region, on the state road connecting Salzburg and Graz. Hallstatt is at the heart of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut cultural landscape, which has been declared one of Austria’s World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Do the Mountains Around Hallstatt Have Something to Offer?
Absolutely! The Hallstatt Mountains and surrounding Dachstein Alps offer plenty for active visitors. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or simply relaxing in alpine pastures and mountain huts, this region has it all. The alpine lifestyle is deeply rooted in local culture, attracting tourists year-round. No matter the season, the mountains near Hallstatt are ready to enchant you.
Summer Activities in the Dachstein Mountains Near Hallstatt
If you visit in summer, the Dachstein Mountains provide a playground for hikers, cyclists, climbers, and paragliders alike. Many tourists explore the region by cable car, but for those who want to escape the crowds, hiking or cycling independently reveals the true peace and beauty of alpine nature.
Best Hiking Trails Around Hallstatt
The area is a hiker’s paradise, with both beginner-friendly paths and challenging alpine climbs. Popular trails lead to scenic huts and viewpoints.
Simonyhütte Mountain Hut: Panoramic Views in the Hallstatt Dachstein Alps
Simonyhütte is at 2,203 meters, it is one of the most beautiful mountain huts in the Hallstatt-Dachstein region. It’s been welcoming visitors for over 135 years and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Hiking Schneidkogel Mountain with Stunning Hallstatt Lake Views
A moderately challenging trail leads from Hallstatt to the summit of Schneidkogel (1,552 m). This 6 km hike climbs about 1,000 meters but rewards you with amazing views of Lake Hallstatt and the town below.
Challenging Plassen 1953m – Mountain Hike in the Hallstatt Alpine Region
Plassen (1,953 m) offers a demanding yet rewarding 7 km hike from Hallstatt. Starting through the forest toward Rudolfsturm and the Skywalk, you’ll soon find quieter trails past the salt mines. With an elevation gain of over 1,300 meters, this hike is perfect for experienced adventurers seeking solitude and incredible vistas.
Tressenstein 1201m
One popular nearby peak worth exploring is Tressenstein (1201m), located above the beautiful Altausseer See and Grundlsee. You can find detailed trails and tips for hiking Tressenstein in my dedicated guide here.
Adamekhüte
For those who love adventure and want a unique mountain experience near Hallstatt, the Adamekhütte is a must-visit mountain hut. Check out my full guide to the Adamekhütte here to plan your visit.
- Simonyhütte – A historic mountain hut at 2,203 m with stunning glacier views.
- Plassen 1953m – A tough 7 km hike from Hallstatt with over 1,300 m elevation gain.
- Schneidkogel 1551m – A moderately challenging trail with amazing lake views.
- Adamekhütte – A destination for advanced hikers and mountaineers seeking a remote alpine hut.
- Tressenstein (1,201 m) – A panoramic hike overlooking Altausseer See and Grundlsee.
- Loser 1837m – If you’re eager to explore more peaks around the Hallstatt region, don’t miss Loser Mountain above Altausseer see
Viewpoints You Shouldn’t Miss
- Skywalk Hallstatt – A glass platform over the village with unforgettable views.
- Five Fingers – A dramatic platform 500 m above the valley floor with a direct view of Lake Hallstatt.
Cycling and MTB in the Mountains
Cycling enthusiasts will find varied routes with different difficulty levels around Hallstatt. For breathtaking alpine views, consider a panoramic bike tour through nearby Bad Aussee or a more relaxed route circling Lake Hallstatt itself. You can also explore mountain biking trails specifically designed for all levels around Hallstatt.
- MTB around Hallstatt – There are multiple scenic mountain bike loops, including routes via Bad Aussee or around the lake.
- Panoramic routes: Combine cycling with sightseeing through Gosau, Obertraun, and along the lake shore.
Family-Friendly Alpine Spots
Dachstein Shark – A unique sculpture and trail that delights kids and adults alike. This playful giant shark sculpture is part of a fun hiking experience that sparks imagination while surrounded by stunning alpine views.
Nearby, don’t miss the Welterbespirale on Krippenstein — a panoramic architectural gem that offers breathtaking views and interactive art for all ages. It’s a perfect spot to combine culture and nature on your family outing.
Discover more about the Welterbespirale here.
Hiking in the Hallstatt mountains
You can choose between light hiking or alpine hiking, where it is necessary to be physically prepared. The most beautiful trails with great views are at the mountain huts, which are scattered variously across the massif.
These are less difficult trails, where it is also possible to use the cable car. Skywalk is a glass-bottomed lookout right on the glacier – nothing for the dizzy! But for those who don’t suffer from it, you can see the stunning peaks of the Dachstein massif in all their beauty. From the other side of the mountains, you can enjoy the view from the 5 fingers lookout towards Lake Hallstatt.
Over the Hallstatt Mountains
Adrenaline enthusiasts will also find something to do here. Dachstein Krippenstein is one of the most attractive paragliding areas in the Alps. It is popular due to the altitude difference of more than 1,500 m between the take-off and landing point. The flight includes beautiful panoramic experiences where you will be able to observe the Hallstatt Mountains below you.
It is also home to a world-renowned safety training centre for paragliders, operated by the Sky Club Austria flight school. As a special attraction, this company offers tandem flights from Krippenstein. Tandem flight is a wonderful and breathtaking experience that everyone can enjoy.
Dachstein – Hallstatt Mountains in winter
Thanks to Hallstatt’s location, you can choose from several options for skiing. With the Dachtein West ski pass you have access to several resorts in the area and can book online.
The entire resort of Dachstein West is spread over three main locations and also includes the boarding stations Gosau, Russbach and Annaberg. There are mostly blue and red gentle slopes throughout the resort, but the more adventurous skier can venture onto the black Wilde Hilde slope with a 67% gradient.
Alpine ski tour in mountains around Hallstatt
Ski alpinist lovers will not be disappointed here either. The Dachstein West resort also offers this option. The use of the trails is free for standard ski pass holders. For others, there is a fee, but no less admission to the trails can – you can subscribe online. The route called Atomic Backland is approximately one and a half hours long and open to the public during the opening hours of the centre in Russbach.
Doesn’t that sound very exciting? We agree. Are you planning a trip to Hallstatt, check our Hallstatt Itinerary and find more things to do.
🔗 More Hallstatt Adventures You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this post about Hallstatt mountains, here are more places I’ve explored and written about — ideal for expanding your trip:
- Skywalk of Hallstatt – Lake and Village from Above – For the best panoramic views right above the village
- Waldbachstrub Waterfall – A beautiful stop tucked away in the Echerntal Valley
- Five Fingers – One of the most exciting platforms in the Dachstein mountains
- Gosauseen – An Unforgettable 4-Day Trip – Lakes, peaks, and charming alpine huts — perfect for multi-day hikes
- Hallstatt Museum – For a deeper look into Hallstatt’s 7,000 years of history
- Viewpoint Hallstatt – Another quiet and scenic spot above the village
- Hallstatt Tourist Information Center – Handy for grabbing maps and asking about the current trail conditions
- Some hiking trails open up as early as April — here’s what it’s like in Hallstatt during that time