gpx_addressbase_15882
Today, 04.03.2026
Cloudy
Wind speed1,1 km/h
Hiking through gorges and over heights!
Hiking tour Starting from Nature Park Center Ötscher-Basis
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 19,19 km
- Duration: 9:00 h
- Ascent: 1161 m elevation gain
- Descent: 1165 m elevation gain
Rugged rocks, thundering waterfalls, unique nature - this is how one of Austria's most exciting landscapes presents itself to its visitors - the Ötschergräben!
- Starting point of the tour
- Nature Park Center Ötscher-Basis
- Tour destination
- Mitterbach - return trip to Wienerbruck by Mariazell railway
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 19,19 km
- Duration: 9:00 h
- Ascent: 1161 m elevation gain
- Descent: 1165 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:5/6
- Overall experience:6/6
- Scenery:6/6
- Lowest point616 m
- Highest point1612 m
- Stage tour
- Nice views
- With refreshment stops
- Accessibility by train and bus
- Summit tour
Description
Formed by the forces of the Ötscherbach stream, a unique system of gorges lies at the foot of the Ötscher - the wonderful Ötschergräben. These are explored on the fantastic hike between the hiking villages of Annaberg and Mitterbach. At the end of the Ötschergräben is the quaint and cozy Vorderötscher refuge in an idyllic location. The trail leads down into the valley to Mitterbach via the summit of the Gemeindealpe, which offers great views of the Lower Austrian and Styrian mountains. A wonderful hike with varied sections, fantastic views and wonderful nature!
- Equipment Sturdy footwear, weatherproof clothing, drink
- Route description From the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center in Wienerbruck (recommended stop!) the path leads along the Wienerbruck reservoir to Austria's oldest dam. There you also find the entry to one of the most impressive landscapes in the country.The beautiful trail follows the course of the Lassing River up to the thundering Lassingfall waterfall. Over several drops, the water plunges about 160 m deep until it merges at the foot of the waterfall with the Erlauf. Exactly there, at the so-called Stierwaschboden, stands an impressive building - the Wienerbruck power plant. Originally built to electrify the Mariazell railway, it is still fully operational today, and since 2015 the turbine hall has been open to visitors.From here the path continues along trails, footbridges, and bridges always upstream along the Ötscherbach. At the end of the Ötschergräben, shortly before the Schleierfall, the Greimlbach meets the Ötscherbach. Upstream the path leads to the Vorderötscher refuge hut. In this certified hiking operation, both those seeking peace and nature lovers, as well as hiking friends and mountaineers, come fully into their own. The cozy stopover station attracts not only with regional delicacies but also with an affordable mattress dormitory and nice rooms for overnight stays.From here the path leads over the Geißriedelsteig to the Brachalm and further to the Gemeindealpe. Both the Halterhütte on the Brachalm and the Terzerhaus on the "Gmoa Oim", also a certified hiking operation, offer ideal places to linger. From the Terzerhaus, several paths lead down to the valley. The chairlift is also a comfortable option for the descent. From the middle station, adventurous types have the opportunity to speed down the mountain with monster rollers or mountain cars.From Mitterbach, the legendary Mariazell railway can be used for the return trip to Wienerbruck. Here you will find our special package for the route: Hiking through gorges and over heights!
- Parking Paid parking is available at the Ötscher-Basis. The income from parking fees benefits the maintenance of the nature park.
- Getting there Coming from the A1, leave the highway at St. Pölten Süd and follow the B20 towards Mariazell to the Ötscher-Basis (Wienerbruck/Annaberg).
- Public transport By Mariazell railway to Wienerbruck station. The Ötscher-Basis is located directly next to the station. For the return trip from Mitterbach to Wienerbruck, the Mariazell railway can also be used.
- Editor’s tip We recommend hikers divide the route into two days and spend the night at the Vorderötscher refuge hut. When staying overnight at the hut, the Wilde Wunder Card is included, allowing free use of the lift to the Gemeindealpe. The return trip with the Mariazell railway is also 50% cheaper with the WWC.
Recommended period
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Current weather on site
4° to 9°
1° to 12°
Tomorrow, 05.03.2026
Mainly clear
Wind speed1,5 km/h
Nature Park Center Ötscher-Basis: T 02728/21 100, E info@naturpark-oetscher.at, www.oetscher-basis.at
Mostviertel Tourism: T 07482/204 44, E info@mostviertel.at
Terzerhaus Gemeindealpe Mitterbach: T 0699/12043852, www.terzerhaus.at
Vorderötscher refuge hut: T 02728/21 100, info@naturpark-oetscher.at, www.vorderoetscher.info
Mountain railways Mitterbach: T 02742/36 099 099, office@gemeindealpe.at, www.gemeindealpe.at
Letzte Änderung: 25 Feb 2026