Schladminger Tauern

The Schladminger Tauern sit across the deep Enns valley from the mighty Dachstein in the heart of mountainous Austria. They are a maze of high peaks at the end of long ridges and valleys and are very different in feel from the more famous Dachstein to the north - they aren’t limestone, for a start – and walking here is a more typically “Alpine” experience.

The lower slopes provide the sort of pleasures you expect in the Alps – gorgeous flower-packed meadows, shrublands and mixed and beautiful forests, in lush contrast to the often harsh drama of the peaks above. There are a wealth of lakes and tarns (claimed to be 300 of them), streams and waterfalls (claimed to be approaching 150) to enchant you.

Wildlife includes deer, marmots, chamois, mountain hares and red squirrels: birds include eagles and other raptors, nutcrackers, characterful choughs; you can also see capercaille and grouse on mid ground.

There are various bases for the Tauern. Schladming, deep in the Enns Valley to the north, is a busy winter ski centre, and Grobming to the north-east is a pleasant town. You can also base yourself in Radstadt and other villages to the west and south.

There is a plethora of great walks here, from short potters to exciting multi-dayers. They are full of walking pleasures, and much less well-known to boot.

Multi-dayers

The Schladminger-Tauern Hohenweg: This great walk traverses the beautiful high heart of the range in 7 days. 70kms, strenuous.

The Panoramaweg 100 is an easyish 116km 7-stage tour of the southern Dachstein and northern Schladminger Tauern slopes. Superb views, often across to the Dachstein, and of course a welcome in the huts along the way. A day or two on the Schladminger Tauern side, enjoying Daschstein views en route, would be a joy.

Lonely Planet recommend a 2-day circuit which takes in a traverse of the Greifenberg and the Klafferkessel plateau.

There are other multi-dayers, and you can create your own marvel to suit your taste from the options described here, or the many other fine route we don’t have space for. There are firms which will organize them for you if you want. See below.

Day walks from/in the north

Mirror Lake and Rippetegg: On the ridge above Reiteralm, in the foothills south of Mandling, you climb to famous Mirror Lake, which on still days reflects the Dachstein. Further climbing brings you to two further little lakes, on steeply to a high ridge and the summit of Rippetegg at 2,126 metres, for huge 360-degree views, including the south face of the Dachstein and neighbouring peaks of the Schladminger Tauern. 3.5hrs or so.

Rohrmooser Untertal: a family path leads deep into this fine valley near Rohrmoos. Up to 13.5km there and back with some climb.

Klafferkessel:  a long (20km) day walk to this lake-studded, glacially-scoured plateau south of Rohrmoos.

Hochwurzen-Höhenweg: 13.5km (7hr) high walk over several peaks south-west of Rohrmoos to the beautiful Giglachseen lakes. Really beautiful.

Hauser Kaibling/ Höchstein: a 2,015m peak above the Schladming cable car top. Relatively easy. Superb views back to the Dachstein. 4.5km/2hrs return. Walk onward to the 2,543m Höchstein, much of the way on or traversing below a superb ridge of peaks and cliffs. Exposed sections but one of the area’s great walks. 11km/5hrs, 850m altitude gain.

Kalkspitze: these are two of the Tauern’s finest peaks, on the western side of the range, 11km, 6hrs, 1,000m ascent. Gorgeous.

Hochgolling: This 2,863m peak, the highest in the area, is a 18.5km, 10hr round trip. It is a demanding climb, with some exposure, but reaches some of the range’s very best views.

Deneck (2,433): this mountain in the far east is accessible from the Solk Pass - 6km/5.5hrs. A lovely walk passing the Kaltenbachsee lakes to reach outstanding views.

Day walks from/in the south

The sub-range of the Radstadter Tauern in the south has some wonderful ridge walking, accessible by cable car, too! Radstadt is also a stopover on the Salzburg Alp Route, which runs 350 kilometres from the Tennengebirge over the Tauern and up to the Dachstein.

Not yet researched: all suggestions welcome!

This can be tough walking in remote mountains with uncertain weather. Come fully prepared.

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

This page is at an early stage of development. Please help us by making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!