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1st Viennese Water Pipeline Trail
Hiking tour Starting from Hirschwang an der Rax
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 7,04 km
- Duration: 2:15 h
- Ascent: 103 m elevation gain
- Descent: 68 m elevation gain
Since 1998, a hiking trail has led through the wild and romantic Höllental valley, past rugged rock faces, from Hirschwang to Kaiserbrunn along the Hochquell water pipeline, which has supplied the Viennese with tap water since the second half of the 19th century. Since April 2026, the water pipeline trail has been extended to the Weichtalhaus.
- Starting point of the tour
- Hirschwang an der Rax
- Tour destination
- Kaiserbrunn
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 7,04 km
- Duration: 2:15 h
- Ascent: 103 m elevation gain
- Descent: 68 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:3/6
- Overall experience:5/6
- Scenery:6/6
- Lowest point501 m
- Highest point551 m
- With refreshment stops
- Accessibility by train and bus
- Suitable for families and children
Since 1998, a hiking trail has led through the wild and romantic Höllental valley, past rugged rock faces, from Hirschwang to Kaiserbrunn along the Hochquell water pipeline, which has supplied the Viennese with tap water since the second half of the 19th century. Since April 2026, the water pipeline trail has been extended to the Weichtalhaus.
The approximately 7 km long route runs along the High Spring Water Pipeline, which stretches 95 km to Vienna. Since 1873, this has provided Vienna with a comprehensive supply of clean drinking water. In 1998, the 125th anniversary of the 1st Vienna High Spring Water Pipeline was celebrated and the "1st Vienna Water Pipeline Trail" was launched. The history and the crystal-clear water can be explored and marveled at in the Kaiserbrunn Water Pipeline Museum.
The trail is an experience for young and old and is perfect for a relaxing excursion in the countryside. The trail requires sure-footedness and fitness to master the idyllic route with a few climbs and steps.
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.
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
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 is available at the outskirts of Hirschwang. However, public transport is recommended as parking spaces are limited.
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.
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
- Water Pipeline Museum Kaiserbrunn
- Enjoy the sound of the Schwarzau
- Stop 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: 29 Apr 2026