Description
The start of the route is at the Terzerhaus at the summit of Gemeindealpe Mitterbach. It is best to hike to the Terzerhaus the day before and spend a night in the fresh air – or you can take the cable car, which also brings you to the summit of the Gemeindealpe.
Soon after starting from the Terzerhaus, the route goes downhill over small paths and lush meadows. Later, denser forests provide cooling. After 1.5 to 2 hours, you reach the Vorderötscher shelter. Here, hikers can enjoy a small refreshment.
After the shelter, the route descends steeply again into the Ötschergräben, past the Mirafall to the snack station Ötscherhias.
From Ötscherhias, you continue hiking through the wonderful Ötschergräben – past the Wienerbruck power plant and the Lassingfall. After about 2 hours, you reach the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center in Wienerbruck. Besides numerous nature information and regional information, the Ötscher-Basis offers a cozy lake terrace and a restaurant dedicated to using regional products. An ideal place to end the hike with good food...
The Mariazellerbahn runs between Wienerbruck and Mitterbach. Either you park in Wienerbruck and take the Mariazellerbahn to Mitterbach before the hike or you travel the route back in the evening.
A somewhat shorter version of the hike runs from Ötscherhias towards Erlaufklause (also a stop on the Mariazellerbahn).
Starting point of the tour
Summit station Gemeindealpe Mitterbach
Destination point of the tour
Wienerbruck, Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center
Directions
By car, drive to the endpoint of the hike, the Wienerbruck station, and from there take the Mariazellerbahn to Mitterbach am Erlaufsee. Ascent by chairlift of Gemeindealpe Mitterbach.
Parking
Wienerbruck station or parking lot at the valley station Gemeindealpe Mitterbach.
Arrival by the Mariazellerbahn, which runs from St. Pölten to Mariazell.
There are stops in Mitterbach (a few minutes' walk from the valley station of Gemeindealpe) as well as in Wienerbruck (located directly at the Ötscher-Basis).
Author's tip
Tip: Combine your hike with an overnight stay in the newly built Terzerhaus. This way you can also manage the ascent to Gemeindealpe the day before. Alternatively, it is possible to take the cable car to the summit of Gemeindealpe.
The Vorderötscher shelter is also a recommended overnight option.
