Autumn hiking in Schladming-Dachstein
Hiking when summer is long gone.
Late autumn in the mountains
No mountain railways, no summer hustle and bustle – but crisp air, peaceful paths and a landscape somewhere between autumn and winter.
November is a special time in Schladming-Dachstein. The colourful autumn days are slowly giving way to winter; the first snow often already lies on the peaks, and the valleys are growing quieter. Anyone who laces up their walking boots now will experience the region from a completely different perspective.
The Schladming-Dachstein Card expires on 1 November 2026; many mountain railways cease their summer operations, and higher-altitude hiking trails may already be experiencing wintry conditions. Schladming-Dachstein
That’s precisely why it’s worth taking a look down into the valley. Around Pichl and Schladming, there are trails that don’t require a gondola – and which take on a charm all of their own in late autumn.
Important: Conditions can change quickly in November. We therefore recommend checking the weather, snow conditions and any current trail closures before setting off on any hike.
Three paths. Three aspects of late autumn.
Our autumn favourites
Talbachklamm – along the water’s edge
4.9 km | approx. 1 hour 30 minutes | 165 metres elevation gain | easy
Between Schladming and Untertal, the Talbach stream runs alongside the path through the gorge. Instead of sweeping mountain views, the focus here is on water, rock and woodland – a lovely combination, especially on cool autumn days.
The classic Talbach Gorge circular walk starts either at the Kraiter car park in Schladming or in the village of Untertal. At around 4.9 kilometres and 165 metres of elevation gain, it remains a pleasantly manageable route. The region specifically recommends this walk for November and the winter months.
Our tip: Ideal for a shorter day’s hike or when the weather doesn’t look suitable for a long mountain hike.
Around Pichl – Autumn right on our doorstep
up to 11.9 km | approx. 3 hours 30 minutes | 310 hm | easy
Sometimes you don’t need to aim high. The Pichl Circular Walk takes you through the small hamlets around Pichl, along the River Enns and through the valley landscape immediately surrounding the Pichlmayrgut.
The full circuit covers around 11.9 kilometres with 310 metres of elevation gain and is listed by Schladming-Dachstein as a year-round route – including in November.
And that’s exactly why I’d definitely include this tour: it adds to your post. Talbachklamm can be found on countless tourism websites. A walking or hiking tip right next to the Pichlmayrgut, on the other hand, creates a genuine local connection.
However, I wouldn’t include a fixed route for November 2026 here: there are currently temporary closures and diversions on parts of the Pichl Circular Trail due to construction work. This ensures the blog remains useful in the long term.
Jungfrauensteig – the sunny side with sweeping views
7.5 km | approx. 4 hours | 655 metres elevation gain | moderate
High above the Ramsau Plateau, the Jungfrauensteig trail leads to the Steinernen Jungfrauen – striking rock formations at the foot of the Dachstein. From the Edelbrunn hiking centre, the route first takes you through the forest and then uphill over steeper, stony sections. Once at the top, the view opens up far across Ramsau as far as the Schladminger Tauern.
On clear, dry autumn days in particular, a completely different side of November reveals itself here: sunshine on your face, the first snow-capped peaks and, below you, the vast Ramsau Plateau. Those wishing to walk a little further can extend the route via Brandriedel, the Austriahütte and the Brandalm to create a circular walk.
Our tip: The Jungfrauensteig is not a leisurely stroll. Sure-footedness and sturdy footwear are essential. In November, we only recommend this route when there is no snow or ice and the weather is stable – be sure to check the conditions beforehand.
And then back to the Pichlmayrgut.
Out and about. Coming home.
Cool cheeks, heavy walking boots and that lovely feeling after a few hours outdoors. Back at the Pichlmayrgut, November can then settle into a cosy pace.
In the Alpen-SPA, warmth and relaxation await across more than 3,000 m², whilst outside the days are slowly getting shorter. And by dinner time at the latest, it becomes clear that autumn has a rather lovely side to it, culinary-wise too.
November doesn’t have to be noisy to be memorable.
Weitere News
Uncategorized
Agriculture, traditional crafts and an appreciation for what our region has to offer.
