Which mountain is the highest in Lower Austria?

At 2,076 metres, the Schneeberg with the Klosterwappen peak is the highest mountain in Lower Austria and also the easternmost 2000 metre peak in the Alps. It is easily accessible from the hiking village of Puchberg am Schneeberg and can be climbed via various hiking trails. Many also use the Schneeberg railway, which takes you to Austria's highest railway station in 40 minutes. Huts on the Schneeberg: Fischerhütte: Lower Austria's highest mountain hut, just a few steps away from the monastery coat of armsDamböckhaus: 15 minutes' walk from the terminus of the Schneeberg cable car or the Elisabethkircherl chapelBerghaus Hochschneeberg: Terminus of the Schneeberg cable car; houses Austria's highest gallery with the exhibition "Schneeberg around 1900"Baumgartner stop with culinary tip: the famous Schneeberg buns filled with Powidl or apricotsHengsthütte: Schneeberg cable car stop as a destination and starting point for hikesTernitzerhütte: 15 minutes' walk from the Schneebergbahn Baumgartner stop

Why are the summit crosses on the highest mountains in Lower Austria so special?

On the Schneeberg, a metal cross has marked the highest point in the country since 1961 (previously a wooden cross), while on the Ötscher, an iconic cross towers over the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park and offers a legendary view across the Mostviertel to the Danube. On the Dürrenstein, the ornate Töpper cross recalls the tradition of Alpine symbols and offers views of the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area. The Hochkar, on the other hand, offers impressive panoramas with its modern summit cross and the nearby 360° Skytour. And on the Rax, the easily accessible cross on the Jakobskogel is a very popular destination.

What alpine requirements are there?

It all depends on the mountain and the chosen route. While many peaks can be reached on well-marked paths, others require a little more experience: alpine experience, a head for heights, surefootedness and good weather are essential for high alpine tours such as over the Nandlgrat on the Schneeberg or over the Rauhen Kamm to the Ötscher summit (considered one of the most challenging tours in the Eastern Alps). The panoramic tour to the Dürrenstein is a very long, demanding tour that requires good stamina and endurance. Regardless of the route and level of difficulty, you will find important information on preparation, equipment and correct behaviour in the terrain in the rules of conduct for hiking.

Which mountain tours combine several peaks into a multi-day experience?

There are several marked multi-day and stage routes in Lower Austria that lead over high peaks and through impressive alpine landscapes - ideal for anyone who wants to spend several days in the mountains and has the relevant experience. Examples include: Schneeberg & RaxDistance: 56.95 km - Duration: 19:00 h - Ascent: 2,694 metresDemanding multi-day tour over the Rax and through the Höllental valley to the hiking village of Puchberg am Schneeberg.Alpine tour Hochkar - Ötscher - DürrensteinDistance: 42.77 km - Duration: 20:00 h - Ascent: 3,004 metresVery challenging crossing of three striking mountains in the Ybbstal Alps - particularly scenic, but physically demanding.2-day summit tour from MitterbachDistance: 34.01 km - Duration: 12:30 h - Ascent: 1,921 mTwo-day round tour in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, leading over high peaks and through deep gorges.2-day tour over the HochwechselDistance: 34.36 km - Duration: 10:25 h - Ascent: 1310 metresThis two-day hike takes you over the Wechsel and past the region's most beautiful mountain huts.

What time of year is best for hiking in Lower Austria's highest mountains?

The mountain season in Lower Austria is typically from spring to autumn (May-October), when trails are free of snow and huts are open.

Mountain tours

Hike the highest mountains in Lower Austria

Gain altitude, feel the vastness, take a deep breath: those who reach the summits in Lower Austria's mountains will find unspoilt landscapes and the feeling of having arrived under their own steam.

©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Lukas Matocha

Schneeberg via the Nandlgrat (2,076 m)

While the highest mountain in Lower Austria is very gentle on its western side, this alpine climb takes you over the rugged eastern walls and offers extraordinary views of the mighty Breite Ries.

Character: Ridge ascent with exposed sections and short rocky passages
Perspectives: View from the highest point, the monastery crest, over the Vienna Alps to Lake Neusiedl
Refreshment tips: Fischerhütte - the highest hut in Lower Austria - and Edelweißhütte

Ötscher over the Rauhen Kamm (1,893 m)

Along the north-east ridge of the Ötscher, rugged rock steps and narrow ledges alternate with easy climbing passages , creating an almost Rocky Mountain feeling with their jagged structure.

Worth knowing: As the "father mountain" of the Mostviertel region, it can be seen from over 100 kilometres away on a clear day
Experiences: Descent into the wild gorges of the Ötscher ("Austria's Grand Canyon") with impressive waterfalls and turquoise-coloured streams
Refreshment tips: Ötscherschutzhaus and Ötscherhias

Dürrenstein via Ybbstalerhütte (1,878 m)

Primeval forest-like trenches, deep sinkholes and karstified plateaus characterise this high alpine two-day tour (approx. 22 km) up to the summit of the Dürrenstein with its ornate Töpper cross. On the way back, mountain pine fields, alpine meadows and three emerald-green mountain lakes alternate.

Worth knowing: En route in the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area - one of the most unspoilt landscapes in Central Europe
Along the way: "Grünloch" (cold pole of Central Europe), Obersee with rare swimming lawn, "Brüllender Stier" (underground waterfall) and the 60 m high Ludwig Waterfall
Refreshment tips: Ybbstalerhütte and Herrenalm

Hochkar via Leckermoos Nature Reserve (1,808 m)

This mountain tour runs from the Leckermoos high moor across lush meadows, alpine huts, forests and karstic passages to the Hochkar and combines protected moorland landscapes with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Along the way: Eleven stations on the moorland trail with highly interesting facts about the Leckermoos high moor and the crystal-clear Hochkar mountain lake
Views: Panorama from the Gesäuse across the Haller Mauern to the foothills of the Alps, deep views of the moorland from the Betmauer
Refreshment tips: Schwarzalm and Hochkaralm

Hut hopping on the Rax (1,804 m)

After the ascent with the Rax cable car, a wide high plateau opens up, on which hut after hut is lined up - from the Ottohaus to the Neue Seehütte and the Edelweißhütte. In between, beautiful vantage points invite you to pause for a moment.

Worth knowing: Around 4,000 m² alpine garden with around 200 alpine plants from the region right next to the Ottohaus
Prospects: Short walk to the Jakobskogel summit cross (1,736 m) or around 45 minutes from the summit station to the Höllental viewpoint (1,620 m)
Along the way: Numerous unique huts and the Siebenbrunnerwiese at 1,400 m above sea level - an alpine meadow covered in mountain flowers

Ein atemberaubender Ausblick über die sanften Hügel und das grüne Tal entfaltet sich vor den Augen der Wanderer. Die frische Bergluft und die majestätischen Wolken verleihen der Szenerie eine friedliche Atmosphäre, die zum Verweilen einlädt. Hier, an einem Aussichtspunkt, wird die Schönheit der Natur in vollen Zügen genossen. — ©© Niederösterreich Werbung/friendship.is/Ian Ehm

Gamsstein (1,774 m)

From Sandgraben in Hollenstein an der Ybbs, you climb through forests, mountain pine zones and karst landscapes with sinkholes up to the ridge of the Gamsstein. The trail first leads to the striking summit cross at 1,770 metres and on to the Hochkogel, the highest point of the mountain.

Worth knowing: The 1,766 metre high Gamssteineck is located to the south-west of the highest point, separated by a cut in the terrain
Perspectives: Views of the Gesäuse and the Eisenwurzen Nature Park
Fun fact: The border between Lower Austria and Styria runs over the mountain

Göller (1,766 m) and Gippel (1,669 m)

While the Gippel is formed from striking Dachstein limestone, the neighbouring Göller is a mighty dolomite massif - together they offer sweeping views across the Limestone Alps.

Fun fact: Both peaks belong to the market town of St. Aegyd am Neuwalde, which is considered the most densely wooded municipality in Austria
Along the way: From Waldhüttsattel there is the option of crossing the Gippel, the tour ends in Kernhof, which is also home to the camel theatre
Refreshment tips: Zdarsky huts and Göllerhut

Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel (1,743 m)

The trail leads from the biotope in Mariensee up to the Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel across a gentle Schwaigen landscape. Once at the top, the view extends far beyond the Wechselland region.

Perspectives: Fantastic panoramic views as far as Slovenia and Hungary
Fun fact: The border between Lower Austria and Styria lies at the highest point, the Hochwechsel
Refreshment tips: Marienseer Schwaig and Wetterkoglerhaus

©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Franziska Consolati

Gemeindealpe Mitterbach (1,626 m)

The challenging circular hike starts from Lake Erlaufsee and leads through a moss-covered forest path to the source of the Erlauf. After a challenging ascent, you reach the summit of the Gemeindealpe with breathtaking panoramic views before heading downhill to the middle station and back to the Erlaufsee.

Fun fact: Erlaufursprung is a fascinating karst spring which, depending on the water level, emerges as a cave or a mighty spring - a natural monument
Experiences: Spectacular descent with the mountain carts on a 4.6 km long route and then a jump into the turquoise-green Erlaufsee lake
Refreshment tips: Brachalm and Terzerhaus right at the summit

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about mountain tours in Lower Austria

At 2,076 metres, the Schneeberg with the Klosterwappen peak is the highest mountain in Lower Austria and also the easternmost 2000 metre peak in the Alps. It is easily accessible from the hiking village of Puchberg am Schneeberg and can be climbed via various hiking trails. Many also use the Schneeberg railway, which takes you to Austria's highest railway station in 40 minutes.
Huts on the Schneeberg:
- Fischerhütte: Lower Austria's highest mountain hut, just a few steps away from the monastery coat of arms
- Damböckhaus: 15 minutes' walk from the terminus of the Schneeberg cable car or the Elisabethkircherl chapel
- Berghaus Hochschneeberg: Terminus of the Schneeberg cable car; houses Austria's highest gallery with the exhibition "Schneeberg around 1900"
- Baumgartner stop with culinary tip: the famous Schneeberg buns filled with Powidl or apricots
- Hengsthütte: Schneeberg cable car stop as a destination and starting point for hikes
- Ternitzerhütte: 15 minutes' walk from the Schneebergbahn Baumgartner stop
On the Schneeberg, a metal cross has marked the highest point in the country since 1961 (previously a wooden cross), while on the Ötscher, an iconic cross towers over the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park and offers a legendary view across the Mostviertel to the Danube. On the Dürrenstein, the ornate Töpper cross recalls the tradition of Alpine symbols and offers views of the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area. The Hochkar, on the other hand, offers impressive panoramas with its modern summit cross and the nearby 360° Skytour. And on the Rax, the easily accessible cross on the Jakobskogel is a very popular destination.
It all depends on the mountain and the chosen route. While many peaks can be reached on well-marked paths, others require a little more experience: alpine experience, a head for heights, surefootedness and good weather are essential for high alpine tours such as over the Nandlgrat on the Schneeberg or over the Rauhen Kamm to the Ötscher summit (considered one of the most challenging tours in the Eastern Alps). The panoramic tour to the Dürrenstein is a very long, demanding tour that requires good stamina and endurance.
Regardless of the route and level of difficulty, you will find important information on preparation, equipment and correct behaviour in the terrain in the rules of conduct for hiking.
There are several marked multi-day and stage routes in Lower Austria that lead over high peaks and through impressive alpine landscapes - ideal for anyone who wants to spend several days in the mountains and has the relevant experience. Examples include:
- Schneeberg & Rax
  Distance: 56.95 km - Duration: 19:00 h - Ascent: 2,694 metres
  Demanding multi-day tour over the Rax and through the Höllental valley to the hiking village of Puchberg am Schneeberg.
- Alpine tour Hochkar - Ötscher - Dürrenstein
  Distance: 42.77 km - Duration: 20:00 h - Ascent: 3,004 metres
  Very challenging crossing of three striking mountains in the Ybbstal Alps - particularly scenic, but physically demanding.
- 2-day summit tour from Mitterbach
  Distance: 34.01 km - Duration: 12:30 h - Ascent: 1,921 m
  Two-day round tour in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, leading over high peaks and through deep gorges.
- 2-day tour over the Hochwechsel
  Distance: 34.36 km - Duration: 10:25 h - Ascent: 1310 metres
  This two-day hike takes you over the Wechsel and past the region's most beautiful mountain huts.

Mountain tours

Hike the highest mountains in Lower Austria

Schneeberg via the Nandlgrat (2,076 m)

Ötscher over the Rauhen Kamm (1,893 m)

Recommended period

Dürrenstein via Ybbstalerhütte (1,878 m)

Recommended period

Hochkar via Leckermoos Nature Reserve (1,808 m)

Recommended period

Hut hopping on the Rax (1,804 m)

Recommended period

Gamsstein (1,774 m)

Recommended period

Göller (1,766 m) and Gippel (1,669 m)

Recommended period

Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel (1,743 m)

Recommended period

Gemeindealpe Mitterbach (1,626 m)

Recommended period

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about mountain tours in Lower Austria