Mountain tours

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.

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