Sports · Nature
Trail Running on the Region's Marked Routes
1–3 hrs · from 1 person · Free400 m
Lace up your running shoes, step out of the hotel and head into the mountains: over 60 marked running and trail running routes across four difficulty levels await around Schladming — and spring is the perfect time to discover them. While the peaks still gleam white, the loops in the Ennstal valley and on the Ramsau plateau are long since snow-free and feel wonderfully easy in the fresh temperatures. Whether it's an easy after-work loop along the Enns, the scenic Ahorn-Runde or the Hans-Knauß-Trail with its Dachstein views: here you'll find the right route for every fitness level — free of charge, superbly signposted and right on your doorstep.
What awaits you
The Schladming-Dachstein region has divided its route network into four categories: "Running" stands for easy, short loops with little elevation gain, "Easy Trail" for beginner trails of around 10 kilometres, "Medium Trail" for more technical routes up to 25 kilometres, and "X-treme Trail" for alpine runs beyond 20 kilometres. In total, over 60 marked routes are on offer — from the flat riverside path along the Enns to the Schladminger Tauern Trail with over 45 kilometres and 4,500 metres of elevation gain for pros.
The best spring routes
In spring, the lower elevations play to their strengths: the flat running loops along the Enns right by Schladming are usually snow-free from April and ideal for easing in. On the Ramsau plateau (around 1,100 metres), classics await such as the Bernhard-Knauß-Trail (8.2 km, approx. 1:15 hrs), the Ahorn-Runde (8.3 km, approx. 1 hr) and the Hans-Knauß-Trail (10 km, approx. 1:30 hrs) — with constant views of the Dachstein south faces. The high-alpine trails are best saved for summer.
Planning & app
You'll find all the official routes with route maps, length, elevation gain and difficulty level on the region's website and in the Schladming-Dachstein app — ideal for downloading the route to your phone in advance. Use of the routes is free of charge (as of July 2026). In spring, it's worth checking the current route conditions before your run: after the snowmelt, some forest sections may still be damp, so it's better to choose trail shoes with good grip.
Insider tips
Run in the morning: in spring, the Ennstal valley often sits under clear air, and the snow-covered Dachstein walls glow especially beautifully in the first light. If you're looking for motivation, the region also offers running events as a season goal — such as the Torlauf-Dachstein in September 2026. And the best thing about being based in Schladming: you don't need a car. You jog straight from the hotel down to the Enns and have the first marked loop under your feet within minutes — perfect for a quick hour between breakfast and the afternoon programme too.
- Over 60 marked running and trail running routes across 4 levels
- Easy scenic loops such as the Ahorn-Runde (8.3 km) or Bernhard-Knauß-Trail (8.2 km)
- Hans-Knauß-Trail in Ramsau: 10 km with Dachstein views
- All routes with tour data in the Schladming-Dachstein app
Tip: Start with the valley and plateau routes in spring: the flat loops along the Enns and the running paths on the Ramsau plateau are snow-free early, while the high-alpine trails often stay white until June. You'll find all the official routes with full data in the Schladming-Dachstein app.
Getting there: Many routes start right in Schladming — for instance the flat running loops along the Enns, which you can reach from the hotel without a car. For the trails on the Ramsau plateau, drive about 15–20 minutes up to Ramsau am Dachstein.
Price: Free of charge — all of the region's marked running and trail running routes are freely accessible (as of July 2026).
Last updated: July 22, 2026
AI notice: This article and its featured image were created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed editorially. For binding details (prices, opening hours), please refer to the respective provider.
location & directions.
400 mas the crow flies from winter.gartenGoogle Maps ↗
frequently asked questions.
Does using the trail running routes cost anything?
No, all of the region's marked running and trail running routes are free of charge and freely accessible (as of July 2026).
Which routes are suitable in spring?
The flat loops along the Enns near Schladming and the plateau routes in Ramsau such as the Ahorn-Runde, Bernhard-Knauß-Trail and Hans-Knauß-Trail are usually snow-free from April. High-alpine trails often stay snow-covered until June.
Am I in the right place as a beginner?
Yes. The "Running" and "Easy Trail" categories offer easy loops with little elevation gain and around 8 to 10 kilometres in length — ideal for beginners.
Where can I find the routes and GPX data?
All official routes are available with tour data at schladming-dachstein.at and in the Schladming-Dachstein app.
Do I need special equipment?
Normal running shoes are fine for the valley loops. On trails, trail running shoes with good grip are recommended, plus a light wind or rain jacket in spring.
Can I start straight from the hotel in Schladming?
Yes, the flat running loops along the Enns are within walking distance of the town centre. For the Ramsau trails, it's around a 15 to 20 minute drive.
