Hoher Sarstein 1975m – Hike Between Hallstatt and Bad Aussee
On Tuesday, August 5th, my wife and I set out on what would become one of the most memorable hikes of our summer — the Hoher Sarstein Überschreitung (ridge crossing) from Bad Aussee to Obertraun.
It was a hot, blue-sky day in the Austrian Alps, and we had 25 kilometres of trail ahead of us, with 1,400 metres of elevation gain.
What followed was a perfect mix of alpine meadows, panoramic ridges, quiet forests, and — just when we needed it most — a refreshing swim in Lake Hallstatt.
Starting the Day at Camp Temel
We began the day in our tent at Camp Temel, a small, peaceful campsite just outside Bad Aussee.
By 9:30 AM, the sun was already warming the valley, hinting that it would be a hot day ahead. We packed light: water, snacks, a light jacket for the summit, and swimsuits for the lake at the end.
Our plan was ambitious:
- Start in camping Temel, Bad Aussee,
- Climb to Sarsteinalm,
- Reach the Hoher Sarstein summit (1,975 m),
- Descend towards Obertraun,
- Finish with a swim at Strandbad Obertraun,
- And return by train back to Bad Aussee.
The First Climb – From Bad Aussee Towards Altaussee
We left Camp Temel and headed in the direction of Altaussee. The first kilometre wound gently uphill through a cool, shaded forest — a calm start before the real climbing began. Soon, the trees opened, and we crossed a small road and the clear waters of the Altausseer Traun river.
On the other side, the trail led us into open meadows, where the views began to unfold. Behind us stood the striking peak of Loser, with Tressenstein rising just beside it.
Between km 5 and 10, the panorama only got better. Each time we glanced back, we could see the valley below, the mighty Loser mountain with Altausseer See shimmering at its base, and the Tressenstein stretching out towards Grundlsee in the distance. It was one of those moments where you almost forget to hike because you can’t stop turning around to take in the view.
Sarsteinalm – Coffee with a View
After several hours of steady climbing, we reached Sarsteinalm — and it instantly became one of my favourite alpine stops.
It’s a small, grassy plateau with a handful of wooden huts, and in summer, the owner runs a tiny snack bar here.
We ordered:
- A coffee for me,
- Juice for my wife,
- Fresh bread with salami.
The bill was €11, but the view? Absolutely priceless.
From the bench outside the hut, we looked across to the Dachstein range, with goats grazing lazily nearby.
We were completely alone, apart from the owner — who even offered us to stay the night. Tempting, but the summit was calling.
For detailes go the official Sarsteinalm website.
Sarsteinalm is open during the summer months, but bring cash — there’s no card payment available this high in the mountains.
The Final Push to Hoher Sarstein
Leaving the welcoming meadow of Sarsteinalm behind, we knew the real test was about to begin — just 1.3 kilometres to the top, but it was the steepest stretch of the day. The air felt thinner, the path narrower, and every step opened up new vistas.
If you want to see exactly what this climb looks like, here’s a short video we took on the way up — it’s even better than the photos.
About halfway up, around 500 metres from the summit, the world seemed to fall away on one side, revealing the postcard-perfect Hallstatt village far below. Across the lake, the peaks rose sharply, including Schneidkogel — where I’d find myself hiking just a few days later — and the rugged silhouette of Plassen.
The Hoher Sarstein summit stands at 1,975 m, right on the border of Upper Austria and Styria.
When we reached the top, the panorama stopped us in our tracks:
- To the west: Lake Hallstatt shimmering far below and Schneidkogel, Plassen above.
- To the eest: The Totes Gebirge mountain range – Altausseer see, Loser mountain, Tressensteinwarte
- To the south: Dachstein Glacier. Krippenstein
By the time we reached the summit cross, the views were 360 degrees of pure Austrian alpine drama — Dachstein Glacier to one side, endless rolling ranges to the other. We lingered for a while, soaking in the warm August sun, before starting the long descent toward Obertraun.
The Ridge Descent from Hoher Sarstein to Sarsteinhütte
From the summit, we followed the ridge trail towards Sarsteinhütte. The path rolls gently along the crest before dropping back into meadows and forest.
We didn’t meet a single person on this stretch — just birdsong, the wind in the grass, and the crunch of our boots on the path. Sarsteinhütte is a cosy mountain hut that serves hikers crossing the ridge.
Goiserer Aussicht – Lake Hallstatt from Above
As we dropped lower, the trail took us to Goiserer Aussicht — a viewpoint that delivers one of the best angles of Lake Hallstatt.
From here, you can see the the lake and the mountains rising steeply on all sides. We stood there for several minutes, knowing the lake would soon be at our feet instead of far below.
The final stretch of the descent was steep and shaded, winding through a dense forest. The ground was soft with pine needles, and every so often we spotted bright red fly agaric mushrooms and other varieties scattered among the moss.
Near the forest’s edge, a lone bench offered one last pause before entering the village of Obertraun.
Strandbad Obertraun – The Perfect Finish
The descent into Obertraun can feel long after a full day’s hike, but reaching Strandbad Obertraun makes every step worth it. The lake was refreshingly cold, and diving in after 25 kilometres and 1,400 metres of climbing felt incredible. It was pure bliss.
After drying off, we wandered just a few steps along the shore to Seecafé Obertraun. Sitting on the terrace with our drinks in hand, we watched the evening sun dip behind the mountains. It was the perfect way to close the day — legs tired, heart full, and the lake slowly turning gold in the fading light.
Returning to Bad Aussee
From Obertraun, it’s an easy train ride back to Bad Aussee. From the station, we walked the last short stretch back to Camp Temel, tired but happy. The entire day — from the morning climb to the lake swim — felt like a perfect snapshot of the Hallstatt Alps in summer.
Hiking Stats and Route Map
- Distance: 25 km
- Elevation gain: 1,400 m
- Time: Around 9 hours with breaks
- Date: August 5th, hot and sunny
- Crowds: Very few hikers – mostly alone on the trail
- Map:
Alternative Route to Hoher Sarstein – From Pötschenkehre
If you don’t want to do the full ridge crossing, you can start from Pötschenkehre on the Obertraun side.
This route is shorter but still steep, taking you directly to the summit. You can return the same way or make a partial crossing to Sarsteinalm.
Tips for Hiking Hoher Sarstein
- Season: Best from late June to early October (check snow conditions in early summer).
- Gear: Hiking boots, enough water, sun protection, and cash for alpine huts.
- Fitness: This is a demanding hike — be prepared for long climbs and a big descent.
- Transport: If crossing, plan your return by train or bus in advance.
- Food: Sarsteinalm and Sarsteinhütte both offer simple Austrian snacks and drinks in summer.
Difficulty: The tour is marked black, indicating a certain challenge, but not necessarily dangerous.
The descent can be made either via the Sarsteinalm to the Pötschenstraße or via a steep descent to Obertraun.
Other Adventures Nearby
If you’re in the Hallstatt–Bad Aussee area, don’t miss:
- Hallstatt Skywalk for panoramic views.
- Five Fingers on Dachstein Krippenstein.
- Gosausee for lakeside walks and boat rentals.
- Waldbachstrub Waterfall in Echerntal Valley.
Final Thoughts on our hike to Hoher Sarstein
The Hoher Sarstein hike is not just about reaching a summit — it’s about the journey: the quiet forest climbs, the friendly hut owner at Sarsteinalm, the wide-open ridge views, and the plunge into Lake Hallstatt at the end.
On that hot August day, with barely anyone else on the trail, it felt like we had the mountain to ourselves.
If you have the time, the fitness, and the love for long alpine hikes, the Sarstein crossing is an experience you’ll never forget.