Mountains in Lower Austria

Recommended summit tours of less than 500 metres in altitude - some with cable car support:

• Jakobskogel (Rax): A high-altitude hike with great views from the Rax cable car summit station (ascent: 189 metres in altitude).
• Hochkar summit hike: From the valley station up to the striking summit cross of the Hochkar (ascent: 331 metres).
• Hochschneeberg plateau: Plateau hike to the monastery coat of arms from the Schneebergbahn summit station (ascent: 282 metres).
• Tirolerkogel (Annaberg): A popular, moderate tour with a cosy stop at the Annaberger Haus (ascent: 401 m).
• Semmering Hirschenkogel: A leisurely hike up the Hirschenkogel to the Milleniumswarte ( ascent: 345 metres).

These include Gippel and Göller, two striking "twin mountains" near St. Aegyd am Neuwalde with quiet forest paths and wide panoramas. The Gamsstein in the Ybbstal Alps is also considered a real insider tip with a challenging ascent but great views from the summit cross on the ridge. The tour over the Schoberwände near Puchberg am Schneeberg is also very quiet: it leads along pleasant paths to the peaks of Schober and Öhler, past the Sebastian waterfall. Equally rewarding is the Hochwechsel tour from Mönichkirchen, which leads via Schwaigen and gentle ridges to the highest point of the Wechsel.

Guided sunrise hikes in Lower Austria are particularly impressive: on the Schneeberg, wide views open up around the Fischerhütte between full moon and sunrise. On the Semmering, early ascents lead up the Hirschenkogel to the Millennium Observatory, from where the first rays of sunlight can be seen over the Wiener Alpenbogen - Arc of the Viennese Alps (trail). In the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, the rising sun bathes the Ötschergräben in a special light.

Well-equipped for sunrise hikes:
Head torch, warm and weatherproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, small snacks and a charged mobile phone are part of the basic equipment.

The best time for mountain hikes in Lower Austria is between May and October.
In early summer, the trails are usually already free of snow. July and August offer stable weather conditions, but can bring thunderstorms at higher altitudes. September and October are particularly ideal for colourful photo opportunities. For high alpine tours such as Schneeberg, Rax or Ötscher, always check the latest weather and avalanche information before setting off.

Puchberg am Schneeberg is easily accessible by train from Vienna and offers an ideal starting point for tours on the Schneeberg with the Schneebergbahn cable car . The Semmering is also very well connected with paths to Hirschenkogel or Sonnwendstein. The Rax is easily accessible via Payerbach-Reichenau railway station and the bus to the Rax cable car. And the Mariazell railway takes you directly to Mitterbach am Erlaufsee - the starting point for tours to the Gemeindealpe.

Most cable cars are open daily or regularly, especially in the summer months. In spring and late autumn, however, it is advisable to find out in advance about possible revision times. Details can be found in the further information on the mountain railways or on the respective website.

The following mountain railways and lifts can be visited free of charge with the Lower Austria CARD. Further information can be found on the CARD website.

In the Mostviertel:

• Lilienfeld Muckenkogel chair lift
• Annaberg lifts
• Gemeindealpe Mitterbach
• Mariazell Bürgeralpe
• Ötscher lifts
• Hochkar

In the Vienna Alps:

• Schneeberg cable car
• Schneeberg chairlift
• Rax cable car
• Semmering cable car
• Erlebnisalm Mönichkirchen

Yes, many of the mountain railways show the current weather conditions on their websites using webcams.

• Webcams on the Annaberg
• Webcams on the Erlebnisalm Mönichkirchen
• Webcams on the Gemeindealpe
• Webcams on the Hochkar
• Webcams in Lackenhof / am Ötscher
• Webcams on the Rax
• Webcams on the Schneeberg
• Webcams on the Semmering

Good preparation and realistic self-assessment are crucial when climbing and on via ferratas. This includes up-to-date weather information, the right equipment (including helmet and safety set), as well as knowledge of the difficulty, approach and descent. Routes should correspond to your own ability, breaks should be planned realistically and alpine dangers such as falling rocks or changes in the weather should always be taken into account. If you are unsure, start with certified via ferratas or guided tours.

Yes, the safest way to start climbing is to take a course in a climbing centre or climbing school. The Peilstein Alpine School of the Alpine Club offers basic climbing courses for beginners and advanced courses on the Peilstein in the Vienna Woods. The Schneeberg ski and mountaineering school run by mountain guide Peter Groß in Puchberg am Schneeberg also helps people to safely start via ferrata climbing and accompanies mountaineers on private tours in both easy and more challenging terrain. The mountain guides and guides from ALPS also offer an unforgettable and safe experience with their courses for beginners and advanced climbers with a head for heights.