WAB - Stage 9: Feistritz Saddle - Semmering

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15,38 km
Duration: 5:00 h
Ascent: 406 m elevation gain
Descent: 703 m elevation gain

The 9th stage of the Viennese Alps route (WAB) is accompanied by forests, mountain pastures, and huts. The summit of Sonnwendstein is reached at the end of the hike. The mountain is the highlight and also the focus of the stage.

Starting point of the tour: Feistritz Saddle
Tour destination: Semmering, top of the pass

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15,38 km
Duration: 5:00 h
Ascent: 406 m elevation gain
Descent: 703 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point985 m
Highest point1511 m

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Description

The Sonnwendstein stage starts at Feistritz Saddle, continuing over the summits of the Fanklbauerhöhe, Poirhöhe, and Alpkogel in the direction of Sonnwendstein. The Sonnwendstein has a very long, storied history and a unique, mystic aura. Its importance is due to the summer solstice, which is seen as a turning point and celebrated as such in many religions. During the summer solstice, religious and world festivals and rituals take place at the summit, such as the Johannisfeuer bonfire that is lit on the Sonnwendstein summit every year. The highlight is the Sonnwendstein vantage point.

Equipment Always bring suitable maps. Always wear appropriate, sturdy footwear, bring sun and rain protection and water, as well as a little something to eat. Bring your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description We start the tour at the car park on the Feistritz Saddle and follow the yellow signs with the blue Viennese Alps logo. The route is initially identical with the Niederösterreichischer Landesrundwanderweg. The Sonnwendstein is reached after around 8 km. The Sonnwendstein observation point provides the most stunning panoramic view of the Semmering pass and the Viennese Alps. At this highest point of the hike, at 1,511 m, we go back and follow the signposted path on the right, which continues along the Niederösterreichischen Landesrundwanderung route. After around 4 km, we turn right into Sonnwendsteinstraße. We follow this until reaching Semmering. At this point we turn left and come to the top of the pass in Semmering, the end of the stage.
Parking A large car park is available at the Feistritz Saddle.
Getting there If you are travelling from Vienna on the A2, leave the motorway at the Gloggnitz exit then continue on the B24 before turning right onto Schlaglstraße. Follow the signs to Trattenbach or the Feistritz Saddle. If you are travelling from Graz, take the B72 and follow the signs to the Feistritz Saddle.
Public transport Take the train from Wiener Neustadt to Gloggnitz railway station or Aspang. The Feistritz Saddle can be reached by taxi. More information can be found at www.oebb.at
Editor’s tip Combine your hike with a stay in Semmering at Hotel Panhans or Sporthotel Semmering.