Hut hopping on the Raxalpe (variant 2)

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

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Elevation profile

10,90 km length

Tour dates
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Route: 10,90 km
  • Ascent: 327 egm
  • Descent: 327 egm
  • Duration:
  • Lowest point: 1.539 m
  • Highest point:1.778 m
Features
  • Round tour
  • Nice views
  • With refreshment stops
  • Accessibility by train and bus
  • Suitable for families and children

Details for: Hut hopping on the Raxalpe (variant 2)

Brief description

Rax hut circular route from the mountain inn, via the Ottohaus and to the New Seehütte. Back via the Preinerwand cross to the starting point.

Description

You ascend with the Rax cable car, Austria's oldest cable car, which started operation in 1926. The Ottohaus, which you reach as the first hut after the mountain station, offers a special feature: a 4000m² alpine garden with about 200 alpine plants typical for the region. The next station, the Seehütte, owes its name to a small lake that, however, disappeared shortly after the First World War. Without having to overcome great difficulties, you "hop" from hut to hut on the Rax. This variant of the popular Rax hiking trail is also suitable for families due to the shorter distance. However, the necessary fitness should be present!

Starting point of the tour

Hirschwang an der Rax, valley station Rax cable car

Destination point of the tour

Raxalpen mountain inn, mountain station Rax cable car

Route description Hut hopping on the Raxalpe (variant 2)

The starting point is the Rax cable car. It takes us in a few minutes to the mountain station at an altitude of 1547 m. From the mountain station of the cable car, we follow the red marking to the Gatterlkreuz and further to the Ottohaus. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the first hut on this route, overcoming 100 meters of altitude. Then it goes leisurely along the lake path to the New Seehütte, located in a hollow. The way back leads past the Preiner Wand cross and above the well-known climbing paradise Preiner Wand through dwarf pine along the ridge path to the Ottohaus. Anyone who wants to add a summit can climb the Jakobskogel (1737m) located next to the Ottohaus. Then from the Ottohaus as usual back to the mountain station.

Directions

A2 to junction Seebenstein - S6 to Gloggnitz - B27 to Hirschwang an der Rax, valley station Rax cable car (at the edge of Hirschwang)

Parking

Parking spaces are available at the valley station of the Rax cable car.

Arrival:

Take the Southern Railway to Payerbach-Reichenau. Between Payerbach-Reichenau station and the valley station of the Rax cable car, buses (line 341) run regularly or book the Semmering-Rax demand bus to the starting point.

Stop: 12 Rax cable car

Departure:

Take the regional bus 342 back to Payerbach-Reichenau station or the Semmering-Rax demand bus.

Stop: 132 Preiner Gscheid

Find more information and timetables at fahrplan.oebb.at and anachb.vor.at

Equipment

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

Safety information

Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely beautiful and safe experience. Please therefore note the following:

Preparation

Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and your fitness. Inform yourself in advance about the weather report. Weather in the mountains can change surprisingly quickly. Therefore, always start equipped accordingly (e.g. rain protection).

Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit along the way are open. Inform someone about the choice of route and your planned return before you set off.

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

Map recommendations

freytag&berndt WK022

Author's tip
  • Combine your hike with an overnight stay at the Raxalpen mountain inn, right at the mountain station of the Rax cable car!

  • Collect feelings of happiness - Collect hiking badges: Collect the "hut hopping" hiking badge during your hike from hut to hut.

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