Dachstein Circuit (S840)

The Dachstein Circuit (S840) begins at the Experience Portal Filzmoos and initially follows the paved mountain road towards Kleinberg. After passing the last houses, the route continues on a forest road with a sustained climb that marks the first major ascent of the tour. After around two kilometres and approximately 270 metres of elevation gain, the trail follows scenic forest roads in a wide loop around the wooded summit of Wurmegg. A short descent leads to the Neubergerhof before climbing once more to the Langegg Saddle. From there, enjoy an approximately five-kilometre descent with a few short uphill sections into the Neubach Valley.

Passing the Schilchreit Inn and following Sulzbach Road, the route alternates between paved and gravel surfaces. Quiet mountain roads and forest tracks lead to Rauenbach Road before continuing towards Annaberg. At the Lammertal Riding Estate, the climb to Edtalm and Hornspitz begins. A series of switchbacks winds through the forest before opening up to magnificent views of the Tennengebirge mountains and the Gosaukamm range. A long forest road descent via Zeishofalm leads to Pass Gschütt.

After crossing the Pass Gschütt road, the route follows peaceful forest roads into the Gosau Valley. Via Wegscheid Road and the district of Ramsau, you reach the Hintertal Valley and eventually the picturesque Lake Gosau. The panoramic view of the Gosaukamm and the Dachstein Massif is one of the highlights of the entire circuit.

The longest climb of the tour begins directly at the lake. Numerous switchbacks take you past Ebenalm, Plankensteinalm and Löckernsee before reaching Rossalm. Shortly afterwards, the route reaches Strähnhag, the highest point of this section. A long and partly fast descent follows via Waldbachstrub to Hallstatt. The route then continues along Lake Hallstatt to Obertraun and follows the idyllic eastern lakeside cycle path to Bad Goisern.

In Bad Goisern, the next climb begins via Leisling along the Großer Zlambach stream. Passing Leisling Hut, the route heads towards Halleralm and Raschberg. Forest roads alternate with short natural trail sections before crossing into the province of Styria. After an enjoyable descent, you arrive at the ruins of Pflindsberg Castle. A short detour to the ruins is well worthwhile for the spectacular views over Lake Altaussee.

Steep local roads lead down to Altaussee and on through Bad Aussee. After leaving the town, the route passes Lake Ödensee and continues through the idyllic moorland towards Mühlreith. The following climb takes riders to Steinitzenalm and continues along Almgraben Road to Kraglhütte. Soon afterwards begins the ascent to Viehbergalm, another scenic highlight of the Dachstein Circuit (S840). Here, breathtaking views of the Dachstein Glacier and the surrounding mountain landscape await.

A long descent through the famous Öfen brings you to Gröbming. From there, the route follows cycle paths and quiet side roads upstream along the Enns River to Weißenbach. This marks the beginning of the final climb onto the Ramsau plateau. Quiet mountain roads lead to the Dachstein cable car valley station and Brandalm. One of the most beautiful sections of the entire tour follows, traversing alpine meadows and mountain pastures beneath the impressive south faces of the Dachstein Massif towards Bachlalm, where marmots can often be spotted.

From Bachlalm, a paved alpine road descends to the Filzmoos country road. Follow the road for approximately three kilometres before turning right onto the historic Hachau Road, a well-maintained forest road leading to the Schnitzberg snack station. This traditional mountain inn is an excellent place to enjoy regional specialities while taking in wonderful views over Filzmoos. After a well-earned final break, the route continues on gentle gravel roads before descending back to Filzmoos, where this unforgettable circuit around the Dachstein Massif comes to an end.

Always wear a helmet and suitable clothing. Ride only on paved and signposted paths. Pay attention to traffic at path and road crossings! Be considerate and yield the right of way. Avoid locking the rear wheel to help preserve the paths. Control your speed when going downhill! Protect the environment and do not leave any trash, etc. in the mountains!

In case of emergency, please dial the following emergency numbers: No. 140 - Mountain Rescue No. 112 - Euro Emergency Call

Coming from Eben: Take the Tauern Motorway A10 – exit at Eben – turn left towards Filzmoos. After approx. 11 km, turn right opposite the gas station. There is a public paid parking lot opposite the gas station.

Coming from Ramsau am Dachstein: At the roundabout, take the exit towards Neuberg – shortly after the gas station, turn left. There is a public paid parking lot opposite the gas station.

By train: Destination stations: Eben im Pongau or Radstadt (both on the Salzburg – Bischofshofen – Schladming – Graz railway line). From Salzburg main station, there are regular trains (about once every hour). The journey takes about 1 hour.

Continue by bus or taxi: From Eben im Pongau or Radstadt, bus line 521 goes directly to Filzmoos, stop Neuberg/Reitsteg (travel time approx. 20–30 minutes). Alternatively, taxis are available at the station. Tip: The buses do not run very frequently – check the timetable in advance and whether the bus also transports bicycles on ÖBB

With the Fidibus summer service: From Filzmoos (Filzmoos tourist information), there is the Fidibus Summer (hiking bus), which takes you from Filzmoos to Neuberg, stopping at Neuberg. Here you can find the timetable.

The Dachstein Circuit (S840) is a physically demanding mountain bike tour with only a few technical challenges. The original route can be shortened at numerous points by taking alternative routes. The entire mountain bike trail is excellently signposted.

At the Filzmoos Tourist Information Office, you can obtain the "Dachstein Circuit" mountain bike map, which includes detailed information about the tour.