Description
Shaped by the forces of the Ötscherbach, a unique gorge system lies at the foot of the Ötscher – the wonderful Ötschergräben. These are explored on a beautiful hike between the hiking villages of Annaberg and Mitterbach. At the end of the Ötschergräben, in an idyllic location, stands the rustic and cozy Vorderötscher refuge hut. Over the panoramic summit of the Gemeindealpe, which offers deep insights into the Lower Austrian and Styrian mountain world, the path leads down to the valley to Mitterbach. A wonderful hike with varied sections, breathtaking views, and magnificent nature!
Starting point of the tour
Nature Park Center Ötscher-Basis
Destination point of the tour
Mitterbach - return trip to Wienerbruck by Mariazell railway
Route description Hiking through gorges and over heights!
From the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center in Wienerbruck (recommended stop!) the path leads along the Wienerbruck reservoir to Austria's oldest dam. There you also find the entry to one of the most impressive landscapes in the country.
The beautiful trail follows the course of the Lassing River up to the thundering Lassingfall waterfall. Over several drops, the water plunges about 160 m deep until it merges at the foot of the waterfall with the Erlauf. Exactly there, at the so-called Stierwaschboden, stands an impressive building - the Wienerbruck power plant. Originally built to electrify the Mariazell railway, it is still fully operational today, and since 2015 the turbine hall has been open to visitors.
From here the path continues along trails, footbridges, and bridges always upstream along the Ötscherbach. At the end of the Ötschergräben, shortly before the Schleierfall, the Greimlbach meets the Ötscherbach. Upstream the path leads to the Vorderötscher refuge hut. In this certified hiking operation, both those seeking peace and nature lovers, as well as hiking friends and mountaineers, come fully into their own. The cozy stopover station attracts not only with regional delicacies but also with an affordable mattress dormitory and nice rooms for overnight stays.
From here the path leads over the Geißriedelsteig to the Brachalm and further to the Gemeindealpe. Both the Halterhütte on the Brachalm and the Terzerhaus on the "Gmoa Oim", also a certified hiking operation, offer ideal places to linger. From the Terzerhaus, several paths lead down to the valley. The chairlift is also a comfortable option for the descent. From the middle station, adventurous types have the opportunity to speed down the mountain with monster rollers or mountain cars.
From Mitterbach, the legendary Mariazell railway can be used for the return trip to Wienerbruck. Here you will find our special package for the route: Hiking through gorges and over heights!
Directions
Coming from the A1, leave the highway at St. Pölten Süd and follow the B20 towards Mariazell to the Ötscher-Basis (Wienerbruck/Annaberg).
Parking
Paid parking is available at the Ötscher-Basis. The income from parking fees benefits the maintenance of the nature park.
By Mariazell railway to Wienerbruck station. The Ötscher-Basis is located directly next to the station. For the return trip from Mitterbach to Wienerbruck, the Mariazell railway can also be used.
