Which hut hikes in Lower Austria are particularly recommended?

From the Schwaigen hike on the Wechsel to the plateau of the Schneeberg and the Ötschergräben: Lower Austria offers numerous tours that combine nature experiences and refreshment stops. Favourites include the Enzianhütte on the Kieneck, the Fischerhütte and the Damböckhaus, the Ottohaus on the Rax and the Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben.

Which huts in Lower Austria offer overnight accommodation?

Several mountain huts and refuges also invite you to stay overnight. These include the Ybbstalerhütte near Göstling an der Ybbs, the Habsburghaus on the Rax, the Vorderötscher mountain hut in the Ötschergräben and the Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel. The Fischerhütte on the Schneeberg, the Enzianhütte on the Kieneck and the Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben also offer accommodation.

How sustainable are the huts in Lower Austria?

Many huts focus on regional products, traditional pasture farming or energy-efficient construction. Examples include the Otto Kandler Haus environmental seal of approval and the energy-optimised Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben.

What special experiences do the hut hikes offer?

Experiences range from botanical diversity in the Alpine garden of the Ottohaus to stargazing at the Hochbärneck viewing platform (by prior arrangement) and the wild and romantic waterfalls of the Ötschergräben. Many huts also offer panoramic terraces with sunrise or sunset views.

Are the huts accessible by public transport?

Yes, many tours can be easily started by public transport. Examples of this are: Take the train to Puchberg am Schneeberg and then the Schneebergbahn railway to Hochschneeberg station and continue on foot to the Fischerhütte and Damböckhaus.By train to Payerbach-Reichenau and from there by bus (line 341) or the RUFbus to the valley station of the Rax cable car, which brings you closer to the Ottohaus.Take the Mariazell railway to the Mitterbach stop (Gemeindealpe). The valley station of the Gemeindealpe Mitterbach is just a 7 to 10-minute walk away. And then the Terzerhaus is not far away. The best way to reach the Vorderötscher shelter is by Mariazell cable car from the Wienerbruck stop.

Is there anything to bear in mind when hiking to huts?

The general rules of behaviour for hiking also apply to hut hikes. In addition, it is advisable to find out about the opening times of the respective huts and mountain pastures in advance and to make a reservation online or by telephone if you wish to stay overnight.

Hikes to huts and mountain pastures

Stop off where the view and atmosphere are right

Whether it's a rustic Schwaig, a modern nature hut or a plateau hut with a view of the summit: These hikes lead to places that combine scenery and enjoyment.

©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Joel Eggimann

Schwaigen am Wechsel

Wide alpine pastures and simple huts characterise the panoramic trails on the Wechsel.

Classics such as cheese dumplings and curd cheese strudel at the Steyersberger Schwaig
Panoramas at the Schwarzer Herrgott on the way to the Feistritzer Schwaig
Refreshment stop and organic snack at the Kranichberger Schwaig

Otto Kandler House at Hohenstein

A traditional mountain hut with the environmental seal of approval of the Alpine associations.

Feel-good atmosphere with a marvellous summit terrace
Wonderful view of the Dirndl Valley
Ascent possible from both the Pielach and Traisental valleys

Fischerhütte & Damböckhaus on the Schneeberg

Two huts on the high plateau, right at the highest point in Lower Austria.

An exciting journey with the Schneebergbahn cable car
Panoramic starting point from the Elisabethkircherl via the Damböckhaus and the Ochsenboden to the summit
Refreshment with home-style cooking at the Fischerhütte at 2,049 metres

©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Franziska Consolati

Terzerhaus & Vorderötscher mountain hut

From high summit views down into the gorges of the Ötscher.

Terzerhaus with panoramic terrace and view of Lake Erlaufsee
Quaint Vorderötscher mountain hut in the mountain forest
Mirafall, Lassingfall and wild gorge paths through the "Grand Canyon of Austria"

Ottohaus, Neue Seehütte & Raxalm mountain inn

Hut hopping across the Rax plateau.

Historical flair and alpine garden with approx. 200 typical alpine plants at the Ottohaus
From the Neue Seehütte as a quiet resting place in between via the Preinerwand cross back to the summit station
Ascent and descent in just 8 minutes with the historic Rax cable car from and to the Raxalm mountain inn

SW_Turnhöhe_Hollenstein_IMG_7700_.jpg — ©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Sabine Wieser

Anna-Alm on the Hennesteck

Sunny hut with sweeping views over Annaberg and the Ötscherland.

Cosy panoramic parlour with views of the Mostviertel mountains
Culinary tip: Picnic basket to take with you to the summit snack on the Hennesteck
You can get down to the valley not only on foot, but also on the Annaberg zipline, which reaches speeds of up to 120 km/h

Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben

Modern architecture in the centre of the Gahns plateau.

Home-made dishes cooked on wood with ingredients from the region
Awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality and the Ecolabel
Fun fact: The name of the hut comes from the wild garlic that grows here in spring

Siebenhütten & Kitzhütte on the Königsberg

Alpine meadows, grazing cows and far-reaching views as far as the Dachstein massif.

Herb meadows and panoramic views of the Hochkar from the Siebenhütten
Alpine pasture with rustic, serviced Kitzhütte
Event tip: Summer Siebenhütten festival every year

Enzianhütte on the Kieneck

A simple shelter with a panoramic view high above the Piestingtal valley.

On 11 paths from three districts up to 1,107 metres
120-year-old mountain hut with distant views as far as the Rax, Schneeberg, Hohe Wand and Ötscher
Regional, home-made cuisine with many ingredients from our own garden

Almhaus Hochbärneck

A mountain hut in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park with a starry sky and a view of the Ötscher.

Managed all year round, including its own herb garden and viewing tower
Hikes possible with a certified alpine guide
Adventure tip: Stargazing thanks to the dark sky at the Hochbärneck viewing platform (by prior arrangement)