Top Hikes at Hauser Kaibling

© Josh Absenger

Hiking Vacation in Styria

Top Hikes on the Hauser Kaibling

At Hauser Kaibling, summer vacationers can enjoy a wide variety of hiking options —from leisurely family trails to mountain hikes with spectacular views. The hiking trails wind through the impressive mountain landscape, offering a magnificent 360-degree panorama and nature experiences for young and old alike. A special highlight is the flock of about 800 sheep and their shepherd, who are a familiar sight on the Hauser Kaibling in the summer.

 

All the info at a glance
Hiking Transportation:
The Hauser Kaibling 8-person gondola, followed by the 8-person chairlift or the Schladminger Tauern cable car
Hiking Trailhead:
All hikes start at the Kablinggrat mountain station—Senderplateau
Sports Equipment Rental:
right next to the valley station
Places to stop for a bite to eat:
Krummholzhütte, TOMiziel, Kaiblingalm Shelter, d'Genussalm, Stanglalm
Wandern am Moaralmsee  | © Mathäus Gartner
© Josh Absenger
Wanderer am Weg zur Bärfellspitze am Hauser Kaibling | © Mathäus Gartner
© René Eduard Perhab
© Hauser Kaibling
Blick auf die Berge rund um den Hauser Kaibling | © Mathäus Gartner
Eine Familie wandert auf einem schmalen Waldpfad am Hauser Kaibling mit Blick auf das Dachsteinmassiv im Hintergrund | © Hauser Kaibling
© René Eduard Perhab

All Hiking Trails at a Glance

Tour Summit Loop Trail
Length 4.6 km
Elevation gain 275 hm
Difficulty medium
Duration 2:00 h
Refreshment Krummholzhütte, TOMiziel, Kaiblingalm
Tour SCHAFsinn Loop Trail
Length 5.9 km
Elevation gain 210 hm
Difficulty easy-moderate
Duration 2:25 h
Refreshment Kaiblingalm, the Gourmet Alm
Tour High-Altitude Trail to Moaralmsee
Length 8.1 km
Elevation gain 700 hm
Difficulty medium
Duration 3:30 h
Refreshment Krummholzhütte, TOMiziel, Kaiblingalm, Stanglalm
Tour Bärfallspitze
Length 7.1 km
Elevation gain 475 hm
Difficulty medium
Duration 3:45 h
Refreshment Krummholzhütte, TOMiziel, d'Genussalm Kaiblingalm
Tour Höchstein
Length 11 km
Elevation gain 845 hm
Difficulty heavy
Duration 6:00 a.m.
Refreshment Krummholzhütte, TOMiziel, d'Genussalm Kaiblingalm
Tour Höchstein-Moaralm Lake
Length 11.6 km
Elevation gain 1,015 hm
Difficulty heavy
Duration 6:00 a.m.
Refreshment Krummholzhütte, TOMiziel, d'Genussalm Kaiblingalm
Zwei Frauen erreichen den Gipfel am Hauser Kaibling, neben dem Gipfelkreuz und dem Maskottchen „Wolli“, mit traumhafter Aussicht auf die umliegende Bergwelt. | © Josh Absenger

Hauser Kaibling Summit (2,015 m) – Loop Trail

Walking time: approx. 2 hours · Distance: 4.6 km · Elevation gain: 275 hm · Difficulty: moderate

After a half-hour climb, you’ll reach the summit of the Hauser Kaibling —which is also the highest point of the Schladming 4-Mountain Ski Area. Whether it’s the summit cross, a souvenir photo, or the magnificent view of the Ennstal Valley—it’s worth taking a break here. The tour continues over the Rossfeldsattel to the idyllic Kaiblingalm, where the mountain hut invites you to stop for a break and enjoy the view of the Dachstein. There’s a playground for kids, and on the way back to the mountain station, there’s an exciting children’s adventure trail with puzzle stations, new marble runs, and a variety of motor skills stations.

SCHAFsinn Loop Trail

Walking time: approx. 2 hrs 25 min · Distance: 5.9 km · Difficulty: easy to moderate

The Schafsinn Loop Trail circles the Hauser Kaibling and offers two options:

  • The longer route (approx. 1 hr 45 min) is designed for experienced hikers and leads past the viewing bench with a view of the reservoir, up to 1,950 m, and on to the Schafsinn research area, ending at the idyllic Kaiblingalm.
  • The shorter route (approx. 40 min) is ideal for casual walkers and families and is even accessible with a stroller. The Children’s Adventure Trail, featuring puzzle and play stations, also runs along this section.

The Kaiblingalm invites you to take a leisurely break with regional delicacies and homemade juices. The Nature Friends mountain hut also offers overnight accommodations—perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the mountain even longer.

Mädchen blickt auf eine große Schafherde am grünen Hang entlang des SCHAFsinn-Rundwegs am Hauser Kaibling. | © Hauser Kaibling
© Hauser Kaibling

High-Altitude Trail to Moaralmsee

Hiking time: approx. 3.5 hours · Distance: 8.1 km · Elevation gain: 700 hm · Difficulty: moderate (Note: Dogs are not allowed beyond the Rossfeldsattel.)

You can comfortably cover most of the elevation gain using the Hauser Kaibling 8-person gondola, the Kaiblinggrat 8-person chairlift, or the Tauern Cable Car. From the top station, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit of the Hauser Kaibling (2,015 m) with its breathtaking panoramic views. Via the Rossfeldsattel and the varied trail, you’ll continue hiking to Moaralmsee —a turquoise-green natural gem nestled amid impressive mountain scenery. Especially when the alpine roses are in bloom, the area offers an incomparable display of colors.

There are several options for the return trip:

  • Standard route: Back via the Rossfeldsattel and the Kaiblingalm—perfect for a leisurely stop with a view of the Dachstein.
  • Active option: From the lake, descend via the Seescharte (Trail No. 45/780) to the Kaiblingalm.
  • Leisurely option: Take the Almsteig Trail No. 781 into the Gumpental valley with a stop at the Stangl Alm. Return trip by hiking taxi (advance reservation required).

Hike to the Bärfallspitze (2,150 m)

Walking time: approx. 4 hours · Distance: 7.1 km · Elevation gain: 475 hm · Difficulty: moderate

The hike begins along the Schafsinn Loop Trail to the Rossfeldsattel. From there, follow Trail No. 45 and, after about 45 minutes, you’ll reach the Bärfallspitze (2,150 m) —with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Ennstal. The descent follows Trail No. 780 to the Kaiblingalm, where the mountain hut invites you to take a cozy break. To return to the mountain station, hike along the Children’s Adventure Trail, which is a particular highlight for families. For a delightful finale, stop by the “d’Genussalm” —with its wonderful sun terrace and views of the Dachstein Massif.

Hiker at the summit cross of Höchstein surrounded by the mountain scenery of the Schladming Alps | © Hauser Kaibling
Hiker on an alpine trail in the Höchstein mountain area | © Hauser Kaibling

Alpine Hike to the Höchstein (2,543 m)

Hiking time: approx. 6 hours · Distance: 11 km · Elevation gain: 845 hm · Difficulty: difficult

The challenging hike to the Höchstein, the striking peak of the Schladminger Tauern, is a real highlight for experienced mountaineers. The ascent can be started either via the more leisurely route through the Kaiblingalm or the more challenging route via the Hauser Kaibling summit (2,015 m). Following Trail No. 780, you’ll reach the Seeschartl, offering a magnificent view down into the Moaralmsee. The trail continues through impressive boulder fields to the Kaiblingloch Saddle, before the final ascent leads over steep scree slopes and secured passages to the summit ridge and finally to the Höchstein (2,543 m). Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Schladminger Tauern and the Ennstal valley. The return trip follows the same route back to the mountain station.

Hauser Kaibling – Höchstein – Moaralmsee

Hiking time: approx. 6 hours · Distance: 11.6 km · Elevation gain: 1,015 hm · Difficulty: difficult

This impressive loop hike connects three highlights: the Hauser Kaibling summit (2,015 m), the Höchstein (2,543 m), and the idyllic Moaralmsee. From the mountain station, the trail leads over the Hauser Kaibling summit and continues over the Rossfeldsattel to the Seescharte. The challenging ascent to the Höchstein includes steeper sections with wire ropes and rocky climbing terrain, before you’re rewarded at the summit with a magnificent panorama of the Schladminger Tauern.

The descent follows the Filzscharte through boulder-strewn terrain down to the romantic Moaralmsee. Nestled in an impressive mountain setting, it invites you to enjoy a relaxing break. The return route follows the slopes of the Bärfallspitze and crosses the Rossfeldsattel back to the mountain station.

© Hauser Kaibling
© Harald Steiner-Fotografie

Travel in comfort with the

Hiking Bus

in the Schladming-Dachstein region

The regional hiking buses are the perfect way to start your day of hiking. Whether it’s the Tälerbus, a regional route, or the Hiking & Biking Bus—13 routes will take you comfortably to the most beautiful starting points for hikes, mountain crossings, and changes of valley. Bonus: With the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, you ride for free and save yourself the hassle of finding a parking spot. Just hop on, show your card, and enjoy all that the Schladming-Dachstein region has to offer.