Description
From Mitterbach, the trail initially leads leisurely along the fjord-like Erlauf reservoir and then down to the Ötscherhias. From here, the hike continues through the imposing Ötschergräben to Mirafall, from where the trail starts uphill towards Jägerherz and the Ötscher summit. Through beautiful beech forests and past the Geldloch and Taubenloch caves, you reach the start of the Rauher Kamms. The ridge with climbing sections with difficulty levels from 1 to 1+ is probably the most beautiful ascent to the Ötscher summit! You quickly gain height, the terrain is steep, rocky and exposed and therefore counts as a challenging mountain tour. Surefootedness and a head for heights are absolutely essential.
The Ötscherschutzhaus provides overnight accommodation!
The next day, the trail leads to the Riffelsattel and then over gentle alpine pastures, always with the Ötscher and the surrounding mountains in view, to the Brachalm. There are still a few meters of altitude to climb to the summit of the Gemeindealpe. Then it's downhill to the starting point.
Tired hikers can also take the lift here!
Starting point of the tour
Mitterbach nature park entrance
Destination point of the tour
Mitterbach nature park entrance
Route description 2-day summit route starting from Mitterbach
The starting point is the Mitterbach nature park entrance. Follow the path along the Erlauf reservoir to a junction with a forestry road. Turn left there towards Ötschergräben/Ötscherhias. Follow the signs "Ötscherhias" to the snack station and cross the bridge. Then turn left into the Ötschergräben, past Mirafall before the path turns right towards "Jägerherz." First follow the trail and then a forestry road up to Jägerherz and then continue along the path through the forest, past Geldloch and Taubenloch to the entry of the Rauher Kamm. Follow the ridge to the Ötscher summit, following the markings. From the summit cross, follow the signs towards Ötscherschutzhaus. From Ötscherschutzhaus, take the forestry road to the Riffelsattel and from there follow the marked trail via Feldwiesalm and Brachalm to Terzerhaus/Gemeindealpe. Then take the path down the ski slope to the valley and orient yourself towards the center of Mitterbach. From Mitterbach, follow the federal road out of town to the Mitterbach nature park entrance.
Directions
By car
Coming from Linz: Autobahn A1; exit Ybbs; towards Wieselburg and Scheibbs (approx. 1.5 hours from Linz)
Coming from Vienna: Autobahn A1; exit St. Pölten via the Pielach valley (approx. 1.5 hours from Vienna)
From Styria: Coming from Graz: S35 towards Leoben up to the Bruck/Mur junction, B116 to Kapfenberg, B20 towards Mariazell
Parking
Parking spaces at the Mitterbach nature park entrance available for €5 per day!
Take the Mariazell railway from St. Pölten to Mitterbach station
