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Rax Views route
Hiking tour Starting from Hirschwang an der Rax, valley station Rax cable car
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 5,98 km
- Ascent: 102 m elevation gain
- Descent: 103 m elevation gain
The Rax-Ausblicke tour is ideal for enjoying the views from the mountain down into the valley.
- Starting point of the tour
- Hirschwang an der Rax, valley station Rax cable car
- Tour destination
- Raxalpen mountain inn, Rax cable car mountain station
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 5,98 km
- Ascent: 102 m elevation gain
- Descent: 103 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:2/6
- Overall experience:4/6
- Scenery:5/6
- Lowest point1539 m
- Highest point1650 m
- Round tour
- Nice views
- With refreshment stops
- Accessibility by train and bus
- Suitable for families and children
Description
The Rax Areal Ropeway, the oldest cable car in Austria, which started operating in 1926, takes you up the mountain. The Höllental view offers a breathtaking view of the Große Höllental. A special feature of the Ottohaus is a 4000m² alpine garden with around 200 alpine plants typical of the region. From the viewing platform behind the Ottohaus, you have a great view of the Schwarzatal valley. This popular Rax hiking trail is also suitable for families due to its shorter distance. However, you should be in good physical condition!
- safety instructions Good preparationFor hiking routes, careful planning is essential – the route must be well planned, and the weather conditions must be checked before starting each hike.For good surefootedness, the right footwear must be chosen, and the pace adapted to health conditions. Sufficient time must be allowed for the route with regular breaks taken. Enough drinking water and a snack should be packed in the hiking backpack.Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts, which minimizes the risk of getting lost, falls, and rockfall.During family hikes, the responsibility for children always lies with the adults. The playful discovery of the landscape must be done with great consideration for the safety of the children.Respect for the environment and the beauty of nature with its flora and fauna must be maintained. Please do not leave any litter in the landscape but carry everything back home for proper disposal.8 basic rules on the mountainIn fog and strong wind, hikes on the high plateau are not recommended!
- 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 with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
- Route description The starting point is the Rax cable car. In just 8 minutes, you reach the mountain station at 1,547 m above sea level. Follow the red marking to the Gatterlkreuz and continue to the Praterstern. There, turn off and follow the path to the Höllental viewpoint. Return the same way to the Praterstern and from there just a few meters to the Ottohaus. Right behind the Ottohaus is the next viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view into the distance over the Schwarzatal. Then return the same way back to the mountain station.
- Parking Ample parking is available at the valley station of the Rax cable car. Parking is free of charge.
- Getting there From Vienna, drive via the A2 South Motorway onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.From Graz, drive via the S35 or A2 onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.
- Public transport Take the Southern Railway to Payerbach-Reichenau. Between the Payerbach-Reichenau station and the Rax cable car, regional bus 341 (VOR AnachB route planner) runs, or you can individually book the Semmering-Rax RUF bus.RUF bus stops:Payerbach-Reichenau station (35)Rax cable car (12)
- Editor’s tip During the route, you can refresh yourself at the Ottohaus or afterwards at the Raxalm mountain inn.Extend the route on the Rax: hut hopping
Recommended period
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Rax cable car mountain inn, +43/2666/52450
Ottohaus, +43/2666/52402
hut opening hours
More info:
Wiener Alpen in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960
Tourism office Reichenau, www.reichenau.at, +43 / 2666 / 52865
Raxalpe, www.raxalpe.com, +43 / 2666 / 52497
Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026