Naturschutzgebiet Steirisches Dachsteinplateau
Naturschutzgebiet Steirisches Dachsteinplateau
Nature Reserve Guide
Naturschutzgebiet Steirisches Dachsteinplateau is a nature reserve in the Northern Limestone Alps, defined by the dramatic landscapes of the Dachstein Massif. This high-mountain karst plateau, shaped by the Ice Age, features the towering Hoher Dachstein peak and an intricate underground water network. The region's diverse habitats, including subalpine forests and moors, make it a significant European Protected Area and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering varied terrain for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, road cycling, and more.
…172
Routes
4.6
(2484)
Average rating
16137
People visited

4.8
(142)
643
hikers
5.41km
02:08
300m
300m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.9
(360)
1,977
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.6
(12)
69
hikers
5.22km
01:43
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(115)
889
hikers
2.43km
00:38
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(418)
1,741
riders
55.8km
04:04
850m
850m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(40)
301
riders
51.3km
05:12
1,520m
1,520m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.8
(13)
83
riders
119km
10:56
2,850m
2,850m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(10)
62
riders
23.0km
02:09
670m
670m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(242)
1,583
riders
47.5km
03:36
760m
760m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(193)
1,283
riders
38.0km
02:23
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(74)
355
riders
25.9km
01:44
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(31)
172
riders
128km
09:27
1,500m
1,500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(17)
155
riders
46.9km
02:58
650m
650m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
29
riders
50.4km
02:58
510m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
23
riders
28.6km
01:42
410m
410m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(7)
263
riders
22.6km
01:37
840m
840m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.8
(9)
247
riders
40.3km
02:09
430m
430m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.5
(2)
156
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.8
(9)
311
riders
36.3km
02:15
960m
960m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(25)
191
hikers
3.98km
02:08
270m
270m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(21)
163
hikers
Hard mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.6
(8)
59
hikers
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(3)
51
hikers
12.3km
07:10
1,200m
1,200m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.7
(3)
74
runners
7.56km
00:50
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(5)
71
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(3)
63
runners
10.2km
01:05
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
67
runners
8.85km
00:55
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Naturschutzgebiet Steirisches Dachsteinplateau offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, road cycling, mountaineering, jogging, and gravel biking. The area features over 100 routes across these sports, catering to different interests and skill levels. More information can be found in the Hiking and Cycling guides.
Popular hiking trails include the Silberkarklamm circular trail, which is 3.4 miles [5.4 km] and rated difficult. The Peace Chapel Stoderzinken loop is a moderate 2.8-mile [4.5 km] option. For an easier experience, the Ödensee loop is 1.5 miles [2.4 km] and rated easy.
Yes, the nature reserve offers easy hiking options suitable for families. The Ödensee loop from Ödensee is an easy 1.5-mile [2.4 km] trail. Additional easy routes can be found in the Easy Hikes guide.
Mountain biking routes include the Lake Ödensee loop from Bad Aussee, a moderate 34.7-mile [55.8 km] ride. For a more challenging experience, the Salza Reservoir and Dam loop is a difficult 74.2-mile [119.5 km] route. More options are available in the MTB Trails guide.
The region is characterized by the Dachstein Massif, a large limestone massif, and the Hoher Dachstein peak at 2995 meters. It features a karst plateau with an intricate underground water network and numerous caves. The area also includes the Dachstein glacier, subalpine forests, moors, and the Miesbodensee (Fauna-Flora-Habitat).
Naturschutzgebiet Steirisches Dachsteinplateau is a Natura 2000 site and a European Protected Area, highlighting its importance for nature conservation. It is also recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is considered one of Styria's most important natural regions due to its diverse habitats and pristine vegetation.
The region offers routes for both touring cycling and road cycling. Touring cyclists can explore routes like the View of the Grimming Massif loop (29.5 miles [47.5 km]). Road cyclists have options such as the Grundlsee – Toplitzsee loop (25.5 miles [41.0 km]).
Routes in Naturschutzgebiet Steirisches Dachsteinplateau have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on over 2,000 reviews from more than 12,000 visitors who have shared their experiences in the region.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the region, including Waterfall hikes, Mountain Hikes, and MTB Trails. There are also guides for Running Trails and Attractions.
Official information regarding Naturschutzgebiet Steirisches Dachsteinplateau, as part of the Natura 2000 network, is available on the Styrian government's nature conservation portal. The official website is www.naturschutz.steiermark.at. For inquiries, the Referat Naturschutz (Nature Conservation Department) can be reached at +43 (316) 877-3703 or +43 (316) 877-2652.
The region features the Hoher Dachstein, the highest peak in the northeastern Limestone Alps, offering panoramic views. Other highlights include the Miesbodensee, various caves within the karst system, and the Dachstein glacier. Specific routes may lead to viewpoints such as the Grimmingtor Viewpoint Bench.

