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1st Viennese Water Pipeline Trail
Hiking tour Starting from Hirschwang an der Rax
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4,00 km
- Ascent: 49 m elevation gain
- Descent: 20 m elevation gain
Through the wild romantic Höllental, past rugged rock faces, a hiking trail has led from Kaiserbrunn to Reichenau since 1998 along the high spring water pipeline that has supplied Viennese with tap water since the second half of the 19th century.
- Starting point of the tour
- Hirschwang an der Rax
- Tour destination
- Kaiserbrunn
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4,00 km
- Ascent: 49 m elevation gain
- Descent: 20 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:3/6
- Overall experience:5/6
- Scenery:6/6
- Lowest point509 m
- Highest point564 m
- Accessibility by train and bus
- Suitable for families and children
Description
The route, which is just under 4 km long, runs over a path with some stairs along the crystal-clear Schwarza.
After the hike, you can make a detour to the Water Pipeline Museum in Kaiserbrunn, where the efforts in the provision of drinking water are demonstrated.
The path is an experience for young and old and perfect for a relaxed excursion into nature. The path requires sure-footedness and stamina to master the idyllic route with some ascents and stairs.
- safety instructions The path is not passable in high water!Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience.Please therefore observe the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and physical condition. Check the weather forecast beforehand. Weather can change suddenly in the mountains. Therefore, always set out properly equipped (suitable footwear, rain protection). Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit en route are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and planned return before you set off. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Due to dryness, meadows and forests are easily flammable. Treat fire with respect and immediately report any possible fire to the fire brigade (122). Do not litter and dispose of waste properly.
- 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 small snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
- Route description The starting point of the hike is the parking lot at the outskirts of Hirschwang. From there, we walk through the beautiful Höllental, located between Rax and Schneeberg, to Kaiserbrunn. Crossing a constructed path with some stairs makes this hike a special experience. This is surpassed by the view of the crystal-clear water of the Schwarza, which flows picturesque through the forest, past gravel banks and steep rocks.From Kaiserbrunn, we either hike back the same way to the starting point or take the bus back to Hirschwang.
- Parking Parking is available at the outskirts of Hirschwang. However, public transport is recommended as parking spaces are limited.
- Getting there From Vienna, take the A2 South Motorway to the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Continue on the B27 to the Rax Cable Car.From Graz , take the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Continue on the B27 to the Rax Cable Car.
- Public transport Travel by train to Payerbach-Reichenau station. From there, take the Regional Bus 341 or individually book the RUFbus Semmering-Raxto the starting point of the 1st Viennese Water Pipeline Trail.RUFbus stops:12 Rax Cable Car (starting point)11 Kaiserbrunn (end point)TIP: Simply book the RUFbus with the Postbus Shuttle App, or via the hotline (060 900 88 22) and travel individually. More information and timetables are available at fahrplan.oebb.at and anachb.vor.at
- Editor’s tip Water Pipeline Museum KaiserbrunnEnjoy the sound of the SchwarzauStop at Rax Bräu in Hirschwang
Recommended period
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Facts about the 1st Viennese Water Pipeline:
- The construction of the pipeline was ordered by Emperor Franz Joseph to supply the Viennese, and the source was named Kaiserbrunn.
- The construction time of the 95 km long pipeline from Kaiserbrunn to Vienna took 4 years (1869–1873).
- To this day, half of Vienna's tap water comes from this source. Over 60 million cubic meters flow annually through the historic pipeline.
Further information:
Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960
Tourism Office Reichenau, Tel. 02666/52865
Water Pipeline Museum Kaiserbrunn, Tel. 02666/52548
Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026