Gosauseen – An Unforgettable 4-Day Trip

At the end of August, we embarked on a 4-day adventure to explore Gosauseen and its stunning surroundings. Determined to make the most of our long weekend from Thursday to Sunday, we carefully planned a route to cover the area’s highlights. We had no idea how difficult trail was waiting for us and how some of us would reach the bottom of our strength, but with the amazing and unforgettable memories.

Gosauseen – Our Overwhelming Plan

We kicked off the trip with a thrilling ride on the Stoderzinken Zipline, setting the tone for an action-packed journey. After the adrenaline rush, we made our way to Vorderer Gosausee, where we planned to have lunch at Gasthof Gosausee, soaking in the magnificent views of the lake and the Dachstein mountains.

The afternoon was reserved for either renting boats or taking a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Vorderer Gosausee, depending on the mood. Once refreshed, we were ready to start our hiking adventure towards Hinterer Gosausee. From there, we planned to continue to Adamekhütte for overnight stay and then next day explore further towards Simonyhütte.

On one of the following day, we aimed to visit the iconic Five Fingers viewing platform, followed by a relaxing stop at the beach in Obertraun. The itinerary would not have been complete without a visit to the enchanting town of Hallstatt. Finally, after a day of exploration, we planned to take the bus back to the parking lot at Gosauseen to wrap up our day.

With a 5-6 hour drive ahead of us, we set off early Thursday morning, fueled by excitement and anticipation. Our group of six split into two cars, and we hit the road, eager for the experiences awaiting us.

Zipline adventure

Our first stop, about an hour from Hallstatt, was the Stoderzinken Zipline. We had booked the ride online a few days in advance to secure our spots, and by the time we arrived around noon, the weather was absolutely perfect. The sky was a brilliant blue, the sun was shining, and the views were breathtaking. After a short shuttle bus ride to the top, it was time for the exhilarating descent. The zipline was an absolute blast, soaring over valleys and forests with spectacular panoramic views. The thrill combined with the stunning scenery made this an unforgettable start to our trip.

After a couple of hours at Stoderzinken, we continued towards Gosau Lake. As the day was hot and sunny, and with it being a national holiday in Austria, the area was bustling. Parking lots around the lake were packed, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We managed to find a spot and quickly made our way to the lake, eager to take in the surroundings.

Vorderer Gosausee

While the second car was still searching for parking, we seized the opportunity and rented an electric boat. Gliding out to the middle of Gosau Lake, we were immediately surrounded by the most incredible views. The towering Dachstein Mountains formed a majestic backdrop, while the lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters sparkled in the sun. On one side of the lake, we could see climbers tackling the via ferrata, and on the other, hikers enjoying the peaceful trails. It was the perfect start to our trip, with nature showing off its very best right from the beginning.

Gosauseen Adventure – A Journey to Remember

After our relaxing boat ride on Vorderer Gosausee, we made our way to Gasthof Gosausee, the popular restaurant by the lake. The place was packed during our visit, but we were lucky enough to find a few seats. We enjoyed a delicious lunch accompanied by a few beers, recharging for the hike ahead. Our plan was to trek to Hinterer Gosausee and then up to Adamekhütte, where we had booked a night’s stay. According to the locals, the hike was estimated to take around 4-5 hours, but little did we know it would take us much longer!

From Gasthof Gosausee to Hinterer Gosausee it was about 7km and quite easy.

We began our hike at around 3:30 pm, slowly making our way around the first lake. The trail was peaceful, surrounded by nature, with a few serene stops along the way. We even swam in Gosaulacke, one of the picturesque lakes on the route, and later took another refreshing dip in Hinterer Gosausee. The crystal-clear water and towering mountains made the swim a truly magical experience.

Along the path, we encountered a herd of cows strolling leisurely across the trail, providing some unexpected fun. We couldn’t resist snapping a few photos, hugging the cows for some lighthearted moments.

Hinterer Gosausee – The Crown Jewel of the Gosauseen Lakes

By the time we reached Hinterer Gosausee around 6:00 pm, we found ourselves almost alone, with the serene atmosphere of the lake nestled between mountains leaving us in awe. We decided to swim in a lake and refresh ourselves a bit. The beauty of the place had us contemplating whether to continue to Adamekhütte or sleep under the stars by the lake. However, with the night forecast predicting temperatures dropping to 7°C and no warm gear on hand, we decided to press on.

The final stretch to Adamekhütte was daunting. Though the hut was only 6 km away, we had to ascend nearly 1,000 meters, from 1,100m to 2,200m in elevation. Some of us were exhausted, so we took frequent breaks. As we climbed, we were treated to a stunning sunset over the lake, but soon darkness fell, and we had to rely on headlamps for the remainder of the hike. Running low on water, we were fortunate enough to refill at a spring along the way.

Despite the challenge, we reached Adamekhütte—the first group of four at 10:00 pm and the last two stragglers at 11:00 pm. We were utterly exhausted but found solace in the hut’s offerings: a much-needed cold beer and a freezing (almost icy!) shower that somehow refreshed us. Luckily, we had booked a room for eight but ended up staying comfortably with just our group of six. We finally settled in for a well-deserved rest, proud of the long day’s achievement.

Far away from Gosauseen – morning start at Adamekhutte

Here’s some basic information about Adamekhütte:

• Address: Adamekhütte, 4824 Gosau, Austria
• Altitude: 2,196 meters
• Contact: +43 6136 8465
• Website/Booking: Bookings are usually handled through the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) or directly via their website. You can also use platforms like alpenvereinshuetten.at for reservations.
• Instagram: You can check out their Instagram page for photos and updates: @adamekhuette.

The hut is a popular stop for hikers exploring the Dachstein Glacier area and offers basic accommodation and meals. It’s essential to book in advance during peak season.

After a hearty breakfast at Adamekhütte, I took some time to capture the beauty of the hut and its surroundings. The early morning light was perfect for photos, showcasing everything from our room and the lobby to the breakfast area, hallways, and even the exterior of the building. The rising sun painted the sky, and we could spot snow glistening on the Dachstein Glacier—a breathtaking view.

With our water bottles filled to the brim, we were ready for our second day of adventure. This time, we planned a day hike from Adamekhütte at 2,200 meters to Simonyhütte. Although the route wasn’t particularly long, the altitude and weight of our backpacks made it a challenging journey. The steady climbs were tough, but the alpine scenery was paradise, making the effort worthwhile.

Simonyhütte – Our Second Night’s Stay on the Gosauseen Adventure

We reached Simonyhütte earlier than expected, around 3-4 pm, giving us plenty of time to relax, enjoy the sunset, and chat with other travelers. Dinner was fantastic, paired with some cold beers, and we spent the evening playing games and unwinding. The night was especially memorable as we stayed in their largest dormitory, which holds about 30 people. For those of us who had never slept in a mountain dormitory, it was a unique and fun experience.

Here’s some basic information about Simonyhütte:

• Address: Simonyhütte, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
• Altitude: 2,203 meters
• Contact: +43 6134 8445
• Website/Booking: You can book directly through the Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) or on their website. Reservations are often made via platforms like alpenvereinshuetten.at or simonyhuette.at.
• Instagram: Find them on Instagram: @simonyhuette.

Simonyhütte is a well-known mountain hut located near the Dachstein Glacier, providing shelter for hikers and climbers. It’s a popular stop for those hiking in the Dachstein massif and offers meals and overnight accommodation. Due to its high demand during peak hiking seasons, it’s advisable to book early.

Despite the crowded room, we struggled to get a good night’s sleep. However, we woke up to a delicious breakfast that helped us recharge for the day ahead. Even as a celiac, I was pleasantly surprised by the availability of excellent gluten-free options, which fueled us up for the rest of our journey.

Scenic Hike to Five Fingers and Beyond: A Journey to Obertraun Beach

Map from Simonyhütte to Krippenstein

Our third day began with an easy but rewarding hike from Simonyhütte to Krippenstein, with the added thrill of reaching the famous Five Fingers viewpoint. Our plan was to take in the breathtaking alpine views before relaxing at Obertraun Beach. Along the way, we stopped at Gjaidalm, where a few cold beers and Aperol Spritz a provided a refreshing pause. After filling our water bottles, some of the group opted to ride the Talstation Krippensteinbahn III cable car to Bergstation Krippenstein II, skipping the hike. Meanwhile, two of us continued on foot, savoring the mountain path up to Five Fingers.

Gjaidalm: A Serene Alpine Retreat in the Heart of Dachstein

Gjaidalm is a charming alpine hut located at 1,738 meters in the Dachstein mountain range, offering a perfect spot for hikers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts to rest and recharge. It’s known for its traditional Austrian hospitality, with cozy accommodations and hearty meals like homemade soups, dumplings, and local specialties. Whether you’re stopping for a refreshing drink or spending the night, Gjaidalm provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It’s accessible by hiking trails or via the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

The iconic platform offered its usual stunning views over Hallstatt Lake and beyond. But our hike didn’t end there—we continued the Welterbe Spirale and took some time to photograph the Krippenstein Chapel. Finally, we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at Lodge am Krippenstein, soaking in the alpine atmosphere before starting our descent.

Lodge am Krippenstein: A Cozy Mountain Lodge with Breathtaking Views

Perched at 2,063 meters, Lodge am Krippenstein offers an inviting refuge for hikers, skiers, and adventurers exploring the Dachstein region. With its warm atmosphere, the lodge serves up hearty Austrian cuisine and provides comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot to take a break after visiting attractions like Five Fingers or the Welterbe Spirale. Whether you’re there for a quick meal or an overnight stay, the panoramic views and alpine charm make Lodge am Krippenstein a memorable stop on any mountain journey.

For me, the way down was a thrilling run along the 11km-long ski slope, while the rest of the group chose the cable car down to Obertraun. We all met up again and caught the bus to the beach. I’ve visited Obertraun Beach many times, but I had never seen so many people there before. The water in Lake Hallstatt wasn’t as clear as usual, but we all jumped in for a refreshing swim nonetheless.

We thought a boat trip to Hallstatt would be the perfect end to our day. Unfortunately, by the time we were ready to go, it was too late—around 5-6 PM, and we had missed the last boat. Instead of being disappointed, we quickly changed plans and opted for the bus around the lake to Hallstatt. However, the bus driver informed us there would be no more connections to Gosau that evening. As a result, we decided to postpone our visit to Hallstatt until the following morning and returned to Gosauseen.

Seecafé Obertraun: Lakeside Relaxation with Stunning Hallstatt Views

Located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, Seecafé Obertraun is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery of the Dachstein mountains. The café is known for its tranquil atmosphere and welcoming vibe, offering light meals, snacks, and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re resting after a swim at Obertraun Beach or admiring the breathtaking lake views, it’s the perfect place to unwind. With outdoor seating right by the water, Seecafé Obertraun is a serene retreat for locals and visitors alike.

Our final stop for the day was at Gasthof Gosausee, where we had begun our journey days before. We finished with a round of drinks and then headed back to our accommodation, treating ourselves to some well-deserved pizza.

Hallstatt: The Grand Finale of Our Gosauseen Adventure

On our last day, we visited Hallstatt for a short walk through the village. We parked at P1 near the gas station and wandered through the charming streets toward the Heritage Hotel, located next to the church and Hallstatt’s Marktplatz. Although our visit was brief, we made time for breakfast at Maislinger Bäckerei & Konditorei. The coffee, baked goods, and toasts were absolutely fantastic. After soaking in the peaceful village atmosphere, we began our journey home, marking the end of our adventure.

Gosauseen Adventure: A Journey of Thrills, Hikes, and Unforgettable Memories

Our Gosauseen adventure was remarkable. It was filled with thrilling experiences, stunning landscapes, and shared moments with friends. From the exhilarating start at the Stoderzinken Zipline to the peaceful boat ride on Vorderer Gosausee, every day brought us closer to the heart of the Dachstein region’s natural beauty.

The hike from Vorderer to Hinterer Gosausee offered breathtaking views and refreshing swims in crystal-clear lakes. Along the way, we encountered friendly cows, adding fun to our challenging ascent to Adamekhütte. The following day’s trek to Simonyhütte was just as rewarding, with more stunning scenery and a restful stay in a cozy mountain hut. Our final hike to Five Fingers rewarded us with an awe-inspiring panorama before we descended to Obertraun Beach for a refreshing swim.

After days of adventure, our journey wouldn’t have been complete without visiting Hallstatt. Strolling through the charming streets and enjoying a delicious breakfast at Maislinger Bäckerei was the perfect way to unwind before heading home.

This Gosauseen adventure exceeded all our expectations. It pushed us physically while creating memories of unmatched beauty and camaraderie. Whether it was the stunning mountain views, thrilling zipline, or serene lakeside moments, this trip will forever hold a special place in our hearts.