Barrier-free and pram-friendly route along the Erlauf reservoir to Erlaufklause. Return journey with the Mariazellerbahn!
Description
The starting point of the route is the station in Mitterbach, so a comfortable journey with the Mariazellerbahn is recommended. The hike first leads along the federal road to the Mitterbach nature park entrance; at the Erlaufstauseeschänke you can not only take a short break but also pay the nature park entrance fee.
The path then follows the entire south shore along the fjord-like Erlauf reservoir with crystal-clear water to the impressive dam. From there it is just a stone's throw to the Erlaufklause station. The return to Mitterbach is then again by Mariazellerbahn.
Starting point of the tour
Mitterbach station
Destination point of the tour
Erlaufklause station
Route description Erlauf reservoir Mitterbach - Erlaufklause
In the town of Mitterbach, start heading north toward the entrance of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park (opposite the sawmill). The path runs along the south shore of the Erlauf reservoir toward Hagenstraße and then to the dam. After crossing the dam, you reach Erlaufklause station in about 10 minutes via the paved road.
Directions
From Linz: A1 motorway; exit Ybbs; direction Wieselburg and Scheibbs (approx. 1.5 h from Linz)
From Vienna: A1 motorway; exit St. Pölten via the Pielach valley (approx. 1.5 h from Vienna)
From Styria (Graz): S35 toward Leoben to the Bruck/Mur junction, B116 to Kapfenberg, B20 toward Mariazell
Parking
Paid parking is available at both the Mitterbach and Erlaufklause nature park entrances - 5€/day. The revenue from parking management benefits the maintenance of the nature park. (coin payment only at parking meter)
Mariazellerbahn from St. Pölten or Mariazell to Mitterbach.
Author's tip
The Water Experience Trail, only a short detour of the route, offers insights into springs, biotopes, and fish species of the reservoir!
