Vorderer Gosausee and the Dachstein in winter
Linked by a common road the Gosautal and Hallstätter See rather dominate the northern side of the Dachsteingebirge. The first leads to a string of lakes under the cliffs of the Gosaukamm, the second lies in a deep trench, an 8km-long gem of a lake that is one of the undisputed jewels of the Salzkammergut Lake District. No, it’s more than that, it’s one of the jewels of the Alps. Two undemanding walks are suggested here. Both are romantic and rewarding.
Vorderer Gosausee and the Dachstein in winter
| Start | Vorderer Gosausee (940m) |
| Distance | 7km (one way) |
| Height gain | 220m |
| Grade | 1–2 |
| Time | 2hrs (+ 1½hrs return) |
| Location | South of Gosau |
| Maps | See Route 73 |
Famed for its views of the ice-draped Dachstein, the Vorderer Gosausee is justifiably popular. Reached by bus from Bad Ischl, there’s a gasthof and a large car park below the northwestern end of the lake, and a cable car rising to the west, its top station located about 300m from the Gablonzer Hut. The majority of visitors go no farther than the first lake, but this walk links all three lakes (the second is a modest, shallow tarn) to enjoy some truly spectacular views.
From the top car park or bus stop, go up to the lake and wander along the left-hand (northern) shore on a broad track. A footpath traces the southern shore, and this should be taken on the return walk, but the north shore provides spectacular views of the mighty Dachstein mirrored in the water, with the crags of the Gosaukamm towering over the south side of the valley.
The track continues beyond the first lake, then enters forest to pass a small tarn (the Gosaulacke) below on the right, and shortly after, the Launigg Wasserfall on the left. Rising steeply you come to a viewpoint from which the Hinterer Gosausee is suddenly revealed; a serene pearl of a lake lying at the foot of the Dachstein. Take the path round the south shore to reach the Hintere Seealm (1160m, 2hrs, accommodation and refreshments), an idyllic place to relax and enjoy lunch.
Return by the same path and track as far as the Vorderer Gosausee, then take the footpath along the south side of the lake; a walk of about 1½hrs.
Note The path taken round the southern shore of the Hinterer Gosausee continues to the Adamek Hut at 2196m in another 2hrs, but on the north side of the lake a more challenging trail (path no:613) crosses lightly wooded limestone country to Hallstatt.