On the move in the Viennese Alpenbogen

At a good 300km, the long-distance trail leads along the Viennese Alpenbogen, through southern Lower Austria.

Starting in Katzelsdorf, at the foot of the Rosaliengebirge, even the first few kilometres along the border between Burgenland and Lower Austria will give you a preview of the hiking experience which is to come. You will soon see the great Alpenbogen fold out in front of you like a panoramic image.

From Bad Erlach, where a visit to the Asian thermal spring in Linsberg is worthwhile, the route continues through the rolling hills of Bucklige Welt. The numerous castles and ruins are evidence of the eventful history of the eastern border area. The numerous fortified churches also bear silent witness to this era.

Passing through Kirchschlag in Bucklige Welt, you will reach Bad Schönau, a well-known spa resort. It is worth taking a break in one of the many hotels, to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Right after Bad Schönau comes the ascent into the Wechselgebiet. From the Hutwisch lookout post in Hochneukirchen-Gschaidt, the path you have been following will become clear again.

The route now leads into Schwaigenland, a pasture area along the Wechsel, and further east to the enchanting landscape of the “Semmering Railway and surrounding landscape”, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow in the footsteps of artists and writers from the 19th – 21st centuries. To this day, Semmering remains a key location in Austria’s theatrical world.

From here, you will leave the tranquil landscape of the Belle Epoque and immerse yourself in the high Alpine surroundings of the Rax and the Schneeberg. Accompanied by the rugged mountain range, coupled with idyllic valleys, the route leads to the Raxalpe, via the Höllental. The highest mountain in Lower Austria, the Schneeberg, which regally dominates the landscape, awaits you. The experience of reaching the Hochschneeberg will more than make up for such a difficult ascent.

After that, the route continues down gentle paths from the Schneeberg mountain range in the Gutenstein Alps, which constitute the northern part of the Viennese Alps in Lower Austria.

The final section of the trail runs along the southern side of the Piestingtal, a landscape of which the merits were enjoyed by painters and writers in the 19th century. The tour ends at Bad Fischau-Brunn, with the Fischau hot spring. Once there, enjoy the spa facilities and proudly reflect on your hike through the diversity of the great Alpenbogen, witnessed from the small Alpenbogen.

Although most of the routes are well-developed hiking trails, you will still walk through hilly and mountainous landscapes. Suitable equipment is recommended.

Some parts of the route lead through high Alpine terrain, where the weather can change at any time. Care must therefore be taken.

Please note that this tour passes through high Alpine terrain. Bring a suitable map. Wear suitable, sturdy shoes, and bring sun and rain protection, as well as water and a bite to eat. Bring your mobile phone, and save the emergency number of the mountain rescue team: 140

Walking in the Viennese Alps should be a completely safe and beautiful experience. Therefore, please note the following:

Preparation

Make sure that your choice of route matches your hiking experience and your  physical condition.  Check the weather forecast. In the mountains, the weather can change surprisingly quickly. For this reason, make sure you are well-equipped (e.g. bring rain protection).

Check that the huts and refreshment stations that you want to visit along the way will be open. Tell  someone which route you have chosen, and when you hope to return, before you set off.

Take the southern railway (Südbahn) to Wiener Neustadt Hauptbahnhof. Then take the regional train (Regionalzug) to Katzelsdorf. The castle is approx. 20 minutes on foot from Katzeldorf station.

See  www.oebb.at for more information.

Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Tourismusbüro Reichenau an der Rax, www.reichenau.at, +43 / 2666 / 52206 25

Here you can get a free hiking guide about your tour. This hiking guide provides an overview of the route, and information on refreshment stops. Please note that this is not a suitable hiking map.

Entlang des Weges am Wiener Alpenbogen gibt es Betriebe, die sich als Wanderbetriebe zertifizieren lassen. Hilfestellung bei der Planung Ihrer Wanderung und Übernachtung bietet Ihnen das Büro der Wiener Alpen in Katzelsdorf. Nähere Informationen erhalten Sie unter www.wieneralpen.at oder telefonisch unter +43 / 2622 / 78960

Vergessen Sie nicht Ihren Wiener Alpen-Viewer im praktischen Handformat mit zu nehmen.