Rax Views route

Hiking route from Hirschwang an der Rax, valley station Rax cable car

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Elevation profile

5,98 km length

Tour dates
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Route: 5,98 km
  • Ascent: 102 egm
  • Descent: 103 egm
  • Duration:
  • Lowest point: 1.539 m
  • Highest point:1.650 m
Features
  • Round tour
  • Nice views
  • With refreshment stops
  • Accessibility by train and bus
  • Suitable for families and children

Details for: Rax Views route

Brief description

The Rax Views route is ideal for enjoying views from the mountain into the valley.

Description

The ascent is via the Rax cable car, Austria's oldest cable car, which began operation in 1926. The Höllental viewpoint offers a breathtaking view into the Große Höllental. The Ottohaus features a special 4,000 m² alpine garden with about 200 alpine plants typical for the region. From the observation tower behind the Ottohaus, there is a great view into the Schwarzatal. This popular Rax hiking path is also suitable for families due to its shorter distance. However, the necessary fitness should be available!

Starting point of the tour

Hirschwang an der Rax, valley station Rax cable car

Destination point of the tour

Raxalpen mountain inn, Rax cable car mountain station

Route description Rax Views route

The starting point is the Rax cable car. In just 8 minutes, you reach the mountain station at 1,547 m above sea level. Follow the red marking to the Gatterlkreuz and continue to the Praterstern. There, turn off and follow the path to the Höllental viewpoint. Return the same way to the Praterstern and from there just a few meters to the Ottohaus. Right behind the Ottohaus is the next viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view into the distance over the Schwarzatal. Then return the same way back to the mountain station.

Directions

From Vienna, drive via the A2 South Motorway onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.

From Graz, drive via the S35 or A2 onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.

Parking

Ample parking is available at the valley station of the Rax cable car. Parking is free of charge.

Take the Southern Railway to Payerbach-Reichenau. Between the Payerbach-Reichenau station and the Rax cable car, regional bus 341 (VOR AnachB route planner) runs, or you can individually book the Semmering-Rax RUF bus.

RUF bus stops:

Payerbach-Reichenau station (35)

Rax cable car (12)

Equipment

Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, bring sun and rain protection, as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140

Safety information

Good preparation

For hiking routes, careful planning is essential – the route must be well planned, and the weather conditions must be checked before starting each hike.For good surefootedness, the right footwear must be chosen, and the pace adapted to health conditions. Sufficient time must be allowed for the route with regular breaks taken. Enough drinking water and a snack should be packed in the hiking backpack.Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts, which minimizes the risk of getting lost, falls, and rockfall.During family hikes, the responsibility for children always lies with the adults. The playful discovery of the landscape must be done with great consideration for the safety of the children.Respect for the environment and the beauty of nature with its flora and fauna must be maintained. Please do not leave any litter in the landscape but carry everything back home for proper disposal.

8 basic rules on the mountain



In fog and strong wind, hikes on the high plateau are not recommended!

Author's tip
  • During the route, you can refresh yourself at the Ottohaus or afterwards at the Raxalm mountain inn.
  • Extend the route on the Rax: hut hopping

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