S303 Hornspitz 8er Runde

The S303 Hornspitz 8er Runde with 23.9 km and 909 m elevation gain is a gravel bike tour in Upper Austria and Salzburg, which runs along the alpine pastures of the Hornspitz Mountains.

The following waypoints and experiences, compactly summarized, accompany you on this alpine pasture tour through the Hornspitz area in Gosau:

• Warm-up through a picturesque forest landscape of the Gosau valley


• before you have a breathtaking view of Gosau and the majestic Gosaukamm on the Zwieselbergstrasse


• Soon after, the first cozy break awaits you at the Gosaustubn


• followed by the idyllic Zeishofalm, where the table and plates are decorated with handpicked flowers and hearty dishes made from regional ingredients are served


• freshly strengthened, a 26% uphill climb comes as a challenge,


• at the top, a great view of Salzburger Land and Gosau awaits you


• the return trip ends with a rapid descent on Pass Gschütt federal road to Gosau

The S303 Hornspitz 8er Runde is a short gravel adventure for alpine pasture lovers.

The S303 Hornspitz 8er Runde is an impressive hike stretching over a total length of 23.9 kilometers with an elevation gain of 909 meters. This outdoor adventure starts at the parking lot in Gosau and takes us by gravel bike through the enchanting nature of the Dachstein Salzkammergut.

After the Sportplatz Gosau parking lot, our gravel adventure leads us along the picturesque Gosaubach stream to the charming Ramsau district in Gosau. Here we pass through a magical wooden forest that shines in different colors depending on the season – from lush green in spring and summer to vibrant autumn tones. The forests of the Salzkammergut are known for their silence and natural beauty.

Next we continue to the Pass Gschütt State Road, where we turn onto Zwieselstrasse. Along the way, we will pass the Gosaustubn at the ski lift mid-station in Dachstein West, a perfect place to take a short break and enjoy the breathtaking view of the majestic Gosaukamm. This mountain range is a prominent feature of the Dachstein Salzkammergut World Heritage Region and impresses with its unique beauty.

After the Gosaustuben, we continue through a picturesque alpine pasture landscape with horses and cows. Shortly before the Zeishofalm, you have the option to make a short detour to the retention pond of the ski region Dachstein West. The artificially created mountain lake reflects the panorama of the Gosaukamm and offers a great photo spot.

The next stop on our tour is the Zeishofalm hut, another highlight. Here we can sample regional delicacies and recharge before tackling the challenging climb to Hornspitz. With a 26% gradient, this ascent is demanding, but the view from the summit will reward us. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Salzburger Land and the Dachstein Salzkammergut World Heritage Region. The majestic peaks, sparkling lakes, and unspoiled nature will delight us.

The descent takes place via the forest road on the Rußbach side of Hornspitz, which not only offers exciting curves but also the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

To finish, we cycle a short uphill stretch to the Pass Gschütt Höhen parking lot before descending on the state road back to the starting point in Gosau. During this last stage, we can once again fully enjoy the impressive scenery of the Salzkammergut.

Our gravel bike tour offers not only sporting challenges but also the opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the Dachstein Salzkammergut World Heritage Region up close.

The springtime wild garlic dumplings served with finely garnished leaf salad with spring flowers at Zeishofalm are a delight and a feast for the eyes.

The S303 Hornspitz 8er Runde is a circular route and is marked with the number S310. Routes with 300 series numbers have a maximum length of 30 km. The indicated travel times are pure net travel times without breaks such as photo stops, stopovers, etc.

To make the day perfect, here are a few tips worth considering before every tour. Moreover, be aware that you are moving in the mountains and thus personal responsibility plays a big role. This applies to the choice of route to be tackled, the expected weather, and the occasional dead zone where you have no mobile connection.

Planning before the tour.

Please note that any gravel tour must be completed with flawless equipment. Below are some tips for preparation and gear.

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Please note that any gravel tour must be completed with flawless equipment. Below are some tips for preparation and gear.

More about this