Alpine hiking villages combine panoramic summit tours and gentle alpine hikes with personal encounters and hosts directly on the mountain - embedded in landscapes full of fresh mountain air, panoramic views and nature experiences.
Alpine Mostviertel
From Mitterbach, you can discover one of the most impressive hiking regions in Lower Austria: through the wild Ötschergräben, up to the Gemeindealpe (1,626 m) with its panoramic views, into the alpine terrain of the Ötscher - or on to the certified hiking village of Annaberg. On hot days, the Erlaufsee lake right on the border with Styria invites you to cool off. You can travel to and from the lake in comfort on the Mariazell railway and stay overnight at the Vorderötscher shelter or the R&R Residenzen Hotel Mitterbach.
Vienna Alps
Valued as a spa and holiday resort in imperial times, Puchberg am Schneeberg combines mountains, culture and history. Paths lead from the Sebastian waterfall up to the Mamauwiese, while the Schneebergbahn cable car takes you up to Austria's highest railway station at 1,800 metres above sea level. Extensive plateau hikes and cosy huts to stop off at await you there. Certified hiking hosts such as the Schneeberghof or the Pension Schmirl ensure relaxing days - and thanks to good public transport connections, you can also relax without a car.
Alpine Mostviertel
Between Hochkar and Dürrenstein lies the hiking village of Göstling an der Ybbs - characterised by the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal UNESCO World Heritage wilderness area and the history of iron processing. Remnants of primeval forest, waterfalls and peaks form the backdrop for varied hikes. The "belebt. bewegt" hiking trail leads from the Ablass farm through unspoilt landscapes to the Leckermoos high moor and on up to the Sonnstein. On warm days, you can cool off by swimming in the river Ybbs. In bad weather, the Ybbstal saltwater pool provides relaxation.
Alpine Mostviertel
The hiking village of Hollenstein an der Ybbs is located at the foot of the Königsberg (1,452 m) between Gamsstein and Voralpe. The interplay of iron, wood and water can still be felt in the historic village today. The award-winning "Natur.Genuss.Berg" hiking trail leads from the certified hiking host Gasthof Jagersberger across alpine meadows and gentle mountain ridges to the Siebenhütten. The proximity to the hiking village of Göstling an der Ybbs makes Hollenstein an ideal starting point for varied hiking days.
Alpine Mostviertel
The hiking village of Annaberg stands out with its flowery alpine meadows and striking pre-alpine peaks. Classics include the pre-alpine tour to the Tirolerkogel (1,377 m) with a stop at the Annaberger Haus and sweeping panoramic views and the cosy Herzerlweg trail, which leads directly to the rustic Anna-Alm. The proximity to the Ötscher base in Wienerbruck, easily accessible with the Mariazell railway, extends the network of trails, for example through the Ötschergräben to the hiking village of Mitterbach at Lake Erlauf. The JUFA Hotel Annaberg or the Ferienhaus am See are the perfect places to stay overnight.
Vienna Alps
The hiking village of Mönichkirchen lies to the south-east of the Wechsel at around 1,000 metres above sea level. The landscape around the Hochwechsel, which offers a panoramic summit tour, is characterised by extensive, gentle Schwaigen (as the alpine pastures are called here), such as the Mönichkirchner Schwaig and rustic huts. The trail leads over the Niederwechsel to the striking rock formation of the Steinerne Stiege. Certified accommodations for hikers, such as the Alpengasthof Enzian, are available for relaxing hiking days. Aspang Markt railway station is also a great public transport option.
Alpine Mostviertel
In the hiking village of Ybbsitz, the rolling hills of the Ybbstal Alps blend with the centuries-old tradition of blacksmithing. Along the approximately eight-kilometre-long ‘Schmiedemeile’ (Blacksmiths’ Trail), walkers will encounter artistically designed stops, historic hammer mills and a spectacular bridge spanning the Prollingbach waterfall. Those wishing to venture higher can hike through peaceful woods up to the Prochenberg or enjoy sweeping views across the Alpine foothills from the Panorama High Trail.
Alpine Mostviertel
With the Ötscher at its heart, the hiking village of Gaming-Lackenhof combines alpine summit tours with unspoilt nature experiences. Trails through the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park lead to deep gorges, waterfalls and vast alpine pastures. Around Gaming and Lackenhof, the choice ranges from leisurely circular and themed trails to the challenging ascent over the Rauhen Kamm. Further variety is provided by the Ötscher stalactite cave, the historic Gaming Charterhouse and a ride on the Ötscherland Express.
