Hiking and mountain sports

The Schladming-Dachstein region offers a selection of beautiful mountain lakes – some suitable for swimming, others strictly protected.

If you want to swim:

• Check in advance whether the lake is suitable for swimming or is protected.
• Be mindful of nature: be quiet, respect the shore areas, do not use soap or oil, and be careful when entering the water.
• Help preserve the purity of the lakes – for future generations.

Many hiking trails are dog-friendly, but there are exceptions—there may be restrictions, especially in nature reserves or on farmed alpine pastures with grazing livestock.

Dogs are not allowed on the following hikes:

• Alpinsteig Höll to Riesachsee
• End of the Obertal valley from Eschachalm (Duisitzkarsee / Keinprechthütte)
• Gumpental (Moaralmsee)
• Ramsauer Almengebiet (Neustattalm to Bachlalm)
• Sölktal (Trogermühle in Mössna towards Knallalm)

When hiking in Schladming-Dachstein, you will often encounter cows. To ensure that everything remains relaxed, please observe the following rules:

• Keep your distance
• Remain calm
• Do not run
• Do not provoke the animals
• Do not stroke the animals

Travelling with a dog?

• Always keep it on a short leash and lead it calmly.
• In case of danger: let go of the dog immediately, never pick it up – this will protect both you and your pet.

Not permitted without the consent of the forest owner:

• Camping after dark
• Tent camping
• Camping with caravans
• Spending the night in a vehicle

Alpine wasteland

• Freely accessible to tourists (above the tree line).
• Exception: agricultural areas such as alpine pastures – no free access there.

Nature reserves

• Camping and bivouacking are prohibited by law in nature reserves such as the Riesach Valley, Seewigtal Valley, or Klafferkessel.

Outside forests and alpine pastures

• The same applies here: camping is only permitted with the consent of the landowner.

The mountain boot is an essential criterion for how we remember a mountain experience. The most impressive mountain panorama can open up in front of you and the hut owner can serve you the best snack for refreshment, but if your boots literally pinch and painful blisters form, it is difficult to enjoy the mountain experience. Here are three tips to help you choose the right footwear:

• Get used to the footwear: Every shoe has its own characteristics. Break in new mountain boots first on short walks or short tours so that your foot adapts and you avoid pressure points.
• Consider the nature of the trail: Make sure that your shoe is suitable for the tour. Models with a high shaft and firm sole are ideal for stony or alpine terrain, while lighter low shoes are better suited to easy hiking trails.
• Consider the overall situation: Whether it's a heavy rucksack, a long route or uneven terrain: all of these factors influence how much stability and protection you need. Lightweight low shoes are comfortable, but can quickly become a tripping hazard when combined with a lot of luggage or rough terrain.

You should prepare well for a successful mountain experience:

• Fit for the hike: Strengthen your muscles and coordination with simple exercises such as squats, lunges and balancing. This will give you more stamina and confidence on your hike.
• Choose your equipment wisely: In addition to basics such as water, shoes and weatherproof clothing, a camera and power bank are valuable companions. The onion look ensures that you remain flexible when the weather changes.
• Set realistic goals: Plan your tours so that they suit your fitness level and increase step by step. Also make a note of important emergency numbers (140 - Alpine emergency number, 112 - Euro emergency number) so that you can act quickly in an emergency.

• Mountain hiking guides accompany you on leisurely to more challenging hikes on marked trails without climbing sections or glaciers. They bring regional knowledge, natural history and safety to the table. Their training includes summer and winter courses on topics such as tour planning, first aid and avalanche awareness.
• Mountain and ski guides are state-certified and take you into high alpine terrain: climbing tours, glacier or ski tours. Their many years of training make them experts in rope techniques, rescue, avalanche and glacier science.

No matter who you choose: With a certified guide, you are safe on the move, can concentrate fully on experiencing nature and learn valuable knowledge for your next tours.