Erlauf reservoir Mitterbach - Erlaufklause | Ötscher Tormäuer Nature Park

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5,07 km
Duration: 1:30 h
Ascent: 36 m elevation gain
Descent: 21 m elevation gain

Barrier-free tour suitable for baby carriages along the Erlauf reservoir to the Erlaufklause. Afterwards return journey with the Mariazellerbahn!

Starting point of the tour: Mitterbach station
Tour destination: Erlaufklause station

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5,07 km
Duration: 1:30 h
Ascent: 36 m elevation gain
Descent: 21 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
2/6
Overall experience:
3/6
Scenery:
4/6

Lowest point780 m
Highest point809 m

Round tour
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus
Suitable for families and children

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Barrier-free tour suitable for baby carriages along the Erlauf reservoir to the Erlaufklause. Afterwards return journey with the Mariazellerbahn!

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.

safety instructions The route is mostly barrier-free but not fully accessible!Please check in advance for any path and road closures in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. You can find this information at https://www.naturpark-oetscher.at/aktuelles-top-informiert-im-naturpark
Equipment Hiking clothing, sturdy footwear, drink
Route description 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.
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)
Getting there 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
Public transport Mariazellerbahn from St. Pölten or Mariazell to Mitterbach.
Editor’s tip The Water Experience Trail, only a short detour of the route, offers insights into springs, biotopes, and fish species of the reservoir!

Recommended period

Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park

Tel.: 02728/21 100 or info@naturpark-oetscher.at

www.naturpark-oetscher.at

Erlaufstauseeschänke

Tel.: 0664 / 932 22 67 or franz.wiedner@ready2web.net

https://erlaufstauseeschaenke.jimdofree.com/

Seegasthaus Ötscher-Basis

Tel.: (0)664 75 04 82 77 or gastroteam@seegasthaus-oetscherbasis.at

www.seegasthaus-oetscherbasis.at

Mariazellerbahn: www.mariazellerbahn.at

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026