Erlaufsee - Erlauf source - Brach - Gemeindealpe - Mid-station - Riffel - Erlaufsee

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 14,22 km
Duration: 5:05 h
Ascent: 847 m elevation gain
Descent: 847 m elevation gain

Wonderful circular hike from Lake Erlaufsee via the Erlaufursrpung to the summit of the Gemeindealpe and back to Lake Erlaufsee!

Starting point of the tour: Erlaufsee
Tour destination: Erlaufsee

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 14,22 km
Duration: 5:05 h
Ascent: 847 m elevation gain
Descent: 847 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
5/6
Overall experience:
6/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point829 m
Highest point1625 m

Round tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Summit tour

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Wonderful circular hike from Lake Erlaufsee via the Erlaufursrpung to the summit of the Gemeindealpe and back to Lake Erlaufsee!

This beautiful, challenging circular hike starts at the turquoise-green Erlaufsee lake. The Brunnsteinweg trail leads along a forest path to the source of the Erlauf - where moss-covered stones and a ravine forest exude fairytale charm.

Continuing along the Brunnsteinweg, you reach the Brunnsteinalm after a challenging ascent and the Brachalm via a forest road. Here you will be impressed by the unique view of the Ötscher!

There is one last steep climb to conquer before you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains from the summit of the Gemeindealpe. Then it's all downhill via the middle station of the lift to the Erlaufsee lake. You then have to circle the lake to the halfway point to get back to the starting point.

safety instructions
Please inform yourself in advance about any possible trail and road closures in the Nature Park Ötscher-Tormäuer. You can find this information at https://www.naturpark-oetscher.at/aktuelles-top-informiert-im-naturpark
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, hiking clothing and rain protection, drink
Route description
The start is at the Gasthof Seewirt at Erlaufsee, past the Lindenhof and always along the Brunnsteinweg to the Erlauf source. Then the forest path uphill to Brunnsteinalm and via a forest road to Brachalm. Past the Iron Hergott towards Gemeindealpe over steep switchbacks to the summit. Choose the downhill path to the mid-station and then follow the signs towards Erlaufsee. Circle half the lake back to the starting point at Gasthof Seewirt.

Recommended period

Nature Park Ötscher-Tormäuer: www.naturpark-oetscher.at

Gemeindealpe Mitterbach: www.gemeindealpe.at

Brachalm: www.naturpark-oetscher.at/brachalm

Mariazell Railway: www.mariazellerbahn.at

Nature Park Center Ötscher-Basis Wienerbruck: www.oetscher-basis.at

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026