Hike to the Zwölferkogel in Obertraun
First of all…
The following hike is a high alpine hiking tour. Mountain experience, stamina, sure-footedness and good preparation are the best prerequisites for a successful and safe day trip. Please do not attempt it wearing sports shoes, normal street shoes or flip-flops! This ensures nothing will get in the way of an adventurous hike. Still have questions? For more safety tips, click here ... And now enjoy reading about this tour.
Heavenly beautiful distant views
The special thing about the 1,978 metre high Zwölferkogel is its unique location directly above Lake Hallstatt and opposite the Hallstatt glacier. That is why it is so popular with many mountain enthusiasts!
However, anyone planning this tour should know that this excursion into the Dachstein massif is in a high alpine mountain landscape where surefootedness and a head for heights are essential when hiking.
With the cable car up to the Gjaidalm
Numerous paths lead to the Zwölferkogel. For example, via the Hallstatt Echerntal and Wiesberghaus or the ascent via the Obertraun district "Winkl" and the Schergenkogel. In the following description, however, we have opted for the variant with the cable car to the Gjaidalm and continue hiking from there.
This saves some time and gives you more time to enjoy the impressive mountains and the fantastic flora on the Dachstein plateau. We have compiled the current cable car times and prices for you below under "Information at a Glance".
Step by step to summit happiness
We follow the hiking trail sign that leads us first to the “Schilcherhaus” on the Gjaidalm. On a narrow path you then go past numerous cows on the wonderfully fresh alpine ground. The Zwölferkogel is already marked on the hiking signs after the Alm.
First follow the arrows in a westerly direction along a pleasant forest and meadow path. After about 25 minutes, we reach a fork in the path - either take the "Wandeln" or the "Tiefkar" paths. For this tour, we chose the ascent via "Tiefkar" and the descent via "Wandeln".
After about 1.5 hours of hiking, the two paths, that had forked earlier on, meet again. From this point on, about 10 minutes separate us from the summit. We continue on rocky terrain towards the summit cross, which towers impressively above Lake Hallstatt. In total we were on the way for about one and a half hours.
Back to the Gjaidalm
Back to the starting point of our hike on the Zwölferkogel in Obertraun we go to the fork in the ascent route, then via "Wandeln" back in a moderately steep descent and repeatedly along rugged rock faces back to the Gjaidalm. Now it's time for a hearty snack and a extensive sunbathing in the middle of the World Heritage landscape of the Salzkammergut. After an unforgettable day of hiking, you then return to the valley to Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt via the three sections of the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car.
Tips: Hiking in spring
The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:
Tips: Hiking in spring
The days in the Salzkammergut are getting longer. The temperatures are finally getting warmer, more and more hikers are heading to the mountains. But be careful: Especially in spring, there are a few things to consider: There is often still a lot of snow on the mountains, so be careful when crossing snowfields. After winter, you are usually still a bit "rusty", so warm up accordingly in advance and plan your tour carefully. Let your host know the planned route. This can lead to quick help in an emergency. But there's more to consider:
Safety Tips for Hikers
Admittedly, the landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut is the absolute pinnacle for hiking fans, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers—unforgettable tours to incredibly beautiful mountain lodges and meadows, panorama views as far as the eye can see and cherished moments that will last a lifetime! However, you should remember that while hiking you might find yourself in high-alpine terrain. We’ve put together some resources to assist you: how to best prepare for your tour, recommended items for your backpack and steps to take in an emergency situation. Remember to always play it safe and enjoy your hiking adventure in the Salzkammergut!
Warning: Closed trails
Better to know before you go
Hiking trails in the Salzkammergut can be closed for various reasons. To help you prepare for your hike, we have set up a page with current road closures in the region. This will help you get to your destination without any detours or stress. Click here to visit the page...
Huts on this trail and other offers
Mountain Adventures in Obertraun
Obertraun | Krippenstein: Discover the fairytale world of the Ice cave and follow in the footsteps of the cave researchers through the Mammut Cave and Koppenbrüller Cave. Feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins on the 5fingers viewing platform.
Schilcherhaus on the Gjaidalm
Obertraun | Gjaidalm: Here you will find what you have often sought in vain elsewhere ... Relaxation - Tranquillity - Nature – Rest in a charming alpine landscape on the Dachstein plateau
Salzkammergut booking - Are you still looking for accommodation?
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.