Mitterbach - Erlauf reservoir - Kapschhof - Mitterbach

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,41 km
Duration: 1:50 h
Ascent: 85 m elevation gain
Descent: 85 m elevation gain

Barrier-free round tour along the impressive Erlauf reservoir in Mitterbach!

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

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,41 km
Duration: 1:50 h
Ascent: 85 m elevation gain
Descent: 85 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point782 m
Highest point860 m

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

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Barrier-free round tour along the impressive Erlauf reservoir in Mitterbach!

The tour starts in Mitterbach am Erlaufsee, so a ride on the Mariazellerbahn is a good way to get there. From the station, the trail initially leads along the main road to the end of the village and to the Mitterbach Nature Park entrance. The Erlaufstauseeschänke invites you to take a break here, and you can also pay the nature park entrance fee. The leisurely path then leads along the lakeshore, always with the crystal-clear water in view. After a short section of the trail, the water adventure trail is a nice little detour to get to know the fountains, biotopes and fish species. Be careful though, this is a normal, narrow forest path! Before reaching the western shore of the fjord-like reservoir, the path turns off. Via the Kapschhof, a farm with a wonderful view, you return to the village of Mitterbach.

safety instructions The route is barrier-minimal but not barrier-free!
Equipment Hiking clothing, sturdy footwear, drink
Route description In the village of Mitterbach, start heading north towards the entrance of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park (opposite the sawmill). Next to the Erlauf reservoir, follow a marked path along the Hagenstraße following the nature trail. After about 45 minutes, take a turn eastwards and the path leads over Spielmäuer, Gspenst and Kapschgasse back to Seestraße in Mitterbach.
Parking Paid parking is available at the entrance to the nature park - €5/day. The revenue from parking management benefits the maintenance of the nature park. (coin payment only at the parking meter)
Getting there From Linz: Autobahn A1; exit Ybbs; towards Wieselburg and Scheibbs (approx. 1.5 hours from Linz)From Vienna: Autobahn A1; exit St. Pölten through Pielach valley (approx. 1.5 hours from Vienna)From Styria (Graz): S35 towards Leoben to Bruck/Mur junction, B116 to Kapfenberg, B20 towards Mariazell
Public transport Mariazellerbahn from St. Pölten or Mariazell to Mitterbach
Editor’s tip A short detour to the water trail is especially worthwhile on hot days!

Recommended period

Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park

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

www.naturpark-oetscher.at

Erlauf reservoir tavern

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