From Kurpark Reichenau over Thalhof to Knofeleben

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,56 km
Ascent: 771 m elevation gain

Let's experience a hike from Reichenau via the historic Thalhof through the Eng to the Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben.

Starting point of the tour: Kurpark Reichenau
Tour destination: Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,56 km
Ascent: 771 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
4/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point477 m
Highest point1251 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

Downloads

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Description

Reichenau an der Rax has a lot to offer. In addition to cultural highlights such as the festival theater, Wartholz Castle, Reichenau Castle and the spa gardens, the town is also a starting point for numerous hikes to the surrounding mountains. Kreuzberg, Rax and Gahns, a foothill of the Schneeberg, lie around Reichenau. If you want to climb the Schneeberg from Reichenau, it is best to choose this beautiful mountain hiking trail, which leads via Thalhof, through forests and the romantic Eng, past the remains of the old timber giants, up through the Promischkagraben. From here, it is only a few meters to the Knofeleben Naturefriends Hut, which was awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality in 2014. And rightly so! In addition to modern architecture, the former Friedrich Haller House also has some culinary delights to offer.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a generally beautiful and safe experience. Please observe the following:PreparationMake sure when choosing your route that it matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather report in advance. The weather can change surprisingly quickly in the mountains. Therefore always start out accordingly equipped (e.g. rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit along the way are open. Inform someone about your choice of route and your planned return before you set off.Further safety tips for your hike can be found here.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, bring sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description Starting from Kurpark Reichenau, follow the path past the parish church Hl. Barbara along Thalhofstraße to Thalhof. Continue on a forest road to the Scheiterplatz. From this point the path steadily ascends. One of the highlights follows immediately: the Mariensteig. A narrow path leads up past rocks, an additional wire rope provides safety. Then it continues through the Eng. This is a beautiful, wild romantic gorge where we can still see remains of an old wooden giant. This was used earlier to haul wood down to the valley. The path continues steadily uphill through the Promischkagraben. After the forest, Knofeleben opens up ahead and the Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben is reached.
Parking Parking is available in the area of Schloss Reichenau.
Getting there From Vienna, drive via the South Motorway A2 onto S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax.From Graz, drive via S35 or A2 onto the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax.
Public transport Take the Southern Railway to Payerbach-Reichenau. Bus line 341 (www.vor.at) runs regularly; take it to the stop "Reichenau an der Rax Gemeindeamt" or book the RUFbus Semmering-Rax individually.RUFbus stops:30 Supermarket Spar parking lot23 Schloss Reichenau26 Thalhof

Recommended period

Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Tourism office Reichenau an der Rax, www.reichenau.at, +43 / 2666 / 52206 25

Hut opening times

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026