Ötschergräben: Wienerbruck - Lassingfall - Ötschergräben - Erlaufklause

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8,07 km
Duration: 2:45 h
Ascent: 266 m elevation gain
Descent: 245 m elevation gain

Rugged rocks, thundering waterfalls, unique nature - this is how one of Austria's most exciting landscapes presents itself to its visitors. Formed by the forces of the Ötscherbach stream, a unique system of gorges lies at the foot of the Ötscher - the Ötschergräben.

Starting point of the tour: Wienerbruck, entrance Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park (Wienerbruck station)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8,07 km
Duration: 2:45 h
Ascent: 266 m elevation gain
Descent: 245 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point630 m
Highest point838 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

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Over millions of years, the power of water has carved the Ötschergräben from the limestone of the Ötscher massif. Today, this "Grand Canyon of Austria" is the centerpiece of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. The romantic Lassingfall to the Stierwaschboden, a small path even with tunnels, large gentian, Petergstamm, daphne, mountain aster, stonecrop, lilies, dolomite and gypsum, rugged rock and waterfalls at every turn, beautifullyThe Ötscherhias, a renovated mill with an overshot waterwheel and, at the top, gentle, wide meadows at the Hagengut - all of this comes together on this tour and is well shaken up on the short return journey on the Mariazell Railway.

safety instructions

Please inform yourself in advance about 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
Sturdy footwear and rain protection
Route description
Along the reservoir lake to the dam. Now turn left into the damp forest gorge. Cross the bridge and follow the north edge of the gorge. After the rushing "Kienbachfall" waterfall, there is a cascade, the remains of the Lassingklause, and shortly after, the bridge over the drop into the "Lassingfall" waterfall. The path leads steeply downhill into the rocky terrain of the Dolomite wall breaking off from Marienstein. Continue to the Stierwaschboden with the power plant. Here cross the Erlauf bridge to the fork and turn left into the Ötschergräben. Follow the Erlauf valley inward to the charming waterfall of the Mühlbachl and the "Ötscherhias." At the Hias, cross the bridge and go left up the forest to the forest road. Here turn left to the reservoir lake Erlaufklause (train station). Return by Mariazellerbahn to Wienerbruck.
Parking
Parking lot Ötscher-Basis Wienerbruck
Getting there
To Wienerbruck via the B20 – turn right there to the reservoir lake and follow the signs.
Public transport
Arrival by Mariazellerbahn from St. Pölten possible. Wienerbruck station is located very close to the entrance of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park and thus right at the start of the route.
We recommend starting the route in Wienerbruck, hiking to Erlaufklause, and returning from there by Mariazellerbahn back to Wienerbruck station.
Editor’s tip
- The most appealing hikes are in spring. Then, the surprisingly alpine and diverse plant life, despite the low altitude, shows itself at its best, and you will find yourself surrounded by a sea of yellow flowers.
- Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the lake terrace at the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center. Special emphasis is placed here on using regional products such as cornelian cherry juice, Ötscher beer, and game meat.
- Visit the Wienerbruck power plant at Stierwaschboden. The turbine hall features a self-explanatory exhibition. Guided tours can also be arranged upon request by calling 02728 21 100.
- If you still have energy, a visit to the Mira Falls is recommended. From the Ötscherhias, simply follow the Ötscherbach for about 30 minutes to the impressive waterfall. Allow about an hour for the round trip.

Recommended period

Ötscher-Basis Wienerbruck Nature Park Center
(T 02728/211 00, E info@naturpark-oetscher.at)

and Ötscherhias in the Ötschergräben (T 0664/275 98 88)

Annaberg Tourism Municipality
Annarotte 14, 3222 Annaberg
T 02728/82 45

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026