News - Top informed in the Nature Park

Please read the following information (trail closures, opening hours etc.) before your visit to the Nature Park!

Dear hikers, dear guests!

We are very much looking forward to your visit!

The cold season has arrived and this brings with it some changes in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park.

The Ötschergräben and Hintere Tormäuern gorges are closed in winter from November 1 to May 1, so it is not possible to hike through them.
The Vordere Tormäuer with the Trefflingfall are at least as beautiful an alternative.

The Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center is also there for you in winter - we can be reached by phone from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm on 02728/21 100. You are also welcome to send us an email to info@naturpark-oetscher.at.

Nature tours in winter
When the snow covers the landscape, the time has come for a snowshoe hike - our nature mediators will be happy to accompany you!
The winter night experience and a nature park craft can make your stay in the nature park a special experience!

We wish you a wonderful winter and look forward to your visit!
Road closures and roadblocks

Road closures and road blocks

• The Ötschergräben and Hintere Tormäuern gorges are closed in winter from November 1st to May 1st, so you are not allowed to hike through these gorges.
• Due to storm damage, the Erlaufstauseerunde small (winter hiking trail) and Erlaufstauseerunde large are closed until further notice.
• The hiking trail or MTB route from Langau/Maierhöfen (from Gasthof Schützenwirt) to Lackenhof on the "Radlweg" is closed. This affects the Upper Austrian Mariazellerweg, the Kartäuserpfad (Gaming - Lackenhof), hiking trail no. 3 (Lackenhof - Durchlass), the MTB routes "Lunzer Strecke" and the "E-Bike Tour" Schindlhütte. Alternatively, you can only use the state road L108 (Langau-Lackenhof). Due to the lack of snow, cross-country skiing is also not possible on the "Radlweg"!   
• Hiking trail Vordere Tormäuer - Trübenbach: The hiking trail is CLOSED due to forestry work/road construction from Tuesday, May 31, 2022 until further notice. Alternative hike: The closed section of the trail can be bypassed over a large area (1 km) via the Sommererbrücke / Teufelskirche / Teufelskirche suspension footbridge.
• Closure of hiking trail no. 34 and no. 31 Grießelreith - Pledichen - Pechtaschen due to clean-up work for storm damage from August 29, 2023 until further notice.
• Due to clearing work caused by heavy rockfall, the hiking trail and cycle route from the toll station to the Ötscherland-Express station in Kienberg will be closed from February 1 to 29, 2024! This affects the "Via Aqua" theme trail, hiking trail no. 23 (Kirchsteinweg - Kienberg train station) and the Erlauftal cycle path. Alternative route: via federal road 25
• The Mäuerlberg - Aufental hiking trail in the municipality of Puchenstuben is closed due to windthrow from January 22, 2024 until further notice!

Information about the Mariazell Railway

Up-to-date information on the Mariazell Railway timetable can be found here!

Opening hours

The Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center is always there for you - during winter we are available from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm by telephone on 02728/ 21 100. You are also welcome to send us an email to info@naturpark-oetscher.at. During the summer season, the supply of regional food is guaranteed for hikers. For group inquiries, please contact us in good time at the above e-mail address or telephone number.