Barrier-free and pram-friendly route along the Erlauf reservoir to Erlaufklause. Return journey with the Mariazellerbahn!
Description
The starting point of the tour is the train station in Mitterbach, so we recommend a comfortable journey with the Mariazellerbahn. The hike first leads along the main road to the Mitterbach Nature Park entrance, where you can not only take a short break at the Erlaufstauseeschänke but also pay the nature park entrance fee.
Along the fjord-like Erlauf reservoir with its crystal-clear water, the trail then leads along the entire south bank to the impressive dam wall. From there, it is only a stone's throw to the Erlaufklause train station. The return journey to Mitterbach is then made on the Mariazell Railway.
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!
