A winter vacation in Austria is usually also an active vacation. Here in Gosau and the surrounding area, there are countless opportunities to experience the snow-covered winter landscape in motion. From winter or snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, tobogganing and ski touring to magical horse-drawn sleigh rides or relaxing hours in the thermal spa. Winter is the perfect time to spend a vacation in the snow and discover the Salzkammergut at this wonderful time of year.
Experience nature up close on a winter hike in Gosau and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Dachstein away from the ski slopes. Our COOEE alpin Hotel Dachstein offers you a breathtaking view of the Gosaukamm and is the ideal starting point for a winter vacation in the Austrian Alps. The numerous winter hiking trails around Gosau lead you through an idyllic snowy landscape, past snow-covered forests and with impressive views of the surrounding mountains.
For all those who want to see even more of untouched nature, snowshoeing in Dachstein is highly recommended and an incomparable leisure activity. Snowshoeing in Upper Austria is a special treat where you can not only find peace and quiet, but also discover new perspectives on the wintry mountain world of the Alps. Ideal for an active vacation and a great way to add variety to a winter vacation without skiing.
Guided snowshoe hikes are a highlight in Gosau, where experienced guides show you the best places and the hidden beauties of this region. If you want to go on a discovery tour yourself: At the Checkpoint Sportshop directly in the COOEE alpin Hotel Dachstein, you can hire a wide range of equipment, including snowshoes.
Discover winter in the Alps with winter hiking and snowshoeing in Gosau - the perfect choice for winter activities away from the slopes.
Experience the magic of winter in the Salzkammergut on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Whether you want to spend romantic hours as a couple or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of the snow-covered landscape as a family or group - take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and enjoy the time off the slopes.
You can book horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered Gosau Valley at the Leutgebhof or at Pferdeschlitten Gosau .
Enjoy winter in the Alps and create unforgettable memories.
The Dachstein region offers numerous winter activities that make for an unforgettable winter vacation in the snow. Families in particular will find the perfect conditions here to enjoy their winter vacation to the fullest - such as on the toboggan run in Gosau!
The popular Rabenkogel natural toboggan run is 1.26 km long and offers fast-paced tobogganing fun through snow-covered forests with a difference in altitude of 200 meters. The 20-minute ascent is well worth it, as spectacular views of the surrounding mountains await you at the start of the toboggan run. You can pick up your free toboggan from the parking lot and off you go!
Get into the Christmas spirit and visit the Gosau Mountain Christmas! This traditional Advent market in the heart of the Salzkammergut invites you to enjoy an atmospheric start to Advent. Situated at the foot of the imposing Gosaukamm, exhibitors present traditional crafts and regional culinary delights. The Christmas market extends across the open-air museum, the Heimathaus, stable and barn. Enjoy the atmosphere of snow-covered Gosau and pick up some great gift ideas for Christmas. There is also a varied program for children, including a Christmas workshop and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the Gosau valley. A special highlight is the traditional lantern hike through the mystical winter forest, which delights both children and adults. The Gosau Mountain Christmas takes place on the first two weekends of Advent and is an incomparable Advent experience in the Dachstein Salzkammergut region:
Many of our guests often rave about the cross-country skiing paradise of Gosau for years to come - and often come back to us at the COOEE alpin Hotel Dachstein just for the cross-country skiing. It's only about 100 meters from us to the start of the cross-country ski trail - could it get any better? Cross-country skiing is a very special, sensual nature experience and is one of the healthiest ways to get your circulation going. Gosau offers a range of trails - 50 kilometers of classic and 15 kilometers of skating, including a practice trail for beginners. Incidentally, skating is cross-country skiing in its most original form. It is currently experiencing a renaissance. In Gosau you will find, among other things, the charming Spreißler skating trail. It is four kilometers long and leads through the enchanting Gosau valley. The beginners' trail is located right next to the hotel - here you can practice for 300 meters and get to grips with cross-country skiing. The village trail is particularly popular, running for almost 15 kilometers through the wintry Gosau Valley and offering breathtaking views of the Dachstein mountains. Those who prefer a shorter route can choose the Kohlstatt trail, an easy and family-friendly route along the Gosau stream. The trails are groomed daily and can be used free of charge.
Ski tours are also a great way to explore nature in the Dachstein West region. The ski tour to the Hornspitz starts directly in Gosau. This starts in the church district of Gosau and leads over the Kalvarienberg up to the Hornspitz. From there, you can return to the valley via the piste and take the ski bus back to the hotel. Alternatively, the Atomic ski tour in Rußbach is also recommended. This ski tour is 3.6 kilometers long and you have to overcome 630 vertical meters. The tour lasts around one and a half hours and is also suitable for ambitious beginners. Adults and children can hire equipment for the tour at the Atomic Touring Experience Center and test it on site.
You don't have your own cross-country skiing equipment or touring skis? No problem! You can hire the latest equipment from the Checkpoint sports store right in the hotel and start your winter adventure from the hotel.
The Salzkammergut, known for its picturesque landscapes and historic towns, offers numerous cultural highlights in winter. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt or the European Capital of Culture 2024 Bad Ischl.
Hallstatt, the idyllic village on Lake Hallstatt, is transformed into a true fairytale land in winter. The snow-covered roofs and tranquil atmosphere make a trip to Hallstatt in winter particularly appealing. One highlight is the "World Heritage View" skywalk, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the winter landscape and Lake Hallstatt.
Bad Ischl, once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I, exudes imperial elegance even in winter. Visit the imperial villa or the Bad Ischl town museum, which offers insights into the history of the region. A walk through the snow-covered spa gardens or a stop at the famous Zauner confectionery round off the excursion.
The region around Gosau in the Salzkammergut not only offers picturesque winter landscapes, but also first-class spas that are ideal for spending quiet hours of relaxation.
Especially after a long day in the snow, whether cross-country skiing, winter hiking or snowshoeing, the spas invite you to relax and unwind.
Book your winter vacation to Gosau now and experience the diversity of this season in the Salzkammergut in Upper Austria! Also discover our exclusive ski packages and save on your ski vacation.
