Breitenstein train station to Speckbacher hut and via Kreuzberg and the summer plateau back to the starting point
Description
The small Breitenstein loop starts directly at the Breitenstein train station. Via the Postlersteig, the path that mail carriers used as a shortcut through the village, the hike leads to the sunny side of Kreuzberg to the Speckbacher hut with a wonderful view of the surroundings. After rest and refreshment, it goes over the Kreuzberg summit at 1084 meters altitude and then gently down again to Breitenstein via forest roads. Those who appreciate impressive views can make worthwhile detours to three prominent viewpoints: to the Pollereswand and the Weinzettelwand with the Breitensteinblick and Semmeringblick.
Starting point of the tour
Breitenstein train station
Destination point of the tour
Breitenstein train station
Route description Breitenstein - small Breitenstein loop
The hike begins at Breitenstein train station. From there, we follow the signs towards Speckbacher hut uphill along the road. At the first intersection, we turn left and follow the white-blue trail markers. The path initially runs on a road until a forest path branches off to the right. We follow this uphill, staying on the blue-marked route.
The path passes a meadow – looking back, an impressive panorama opens up of the historic Südbahnhotel at Semmering. Afterwards, the trail goes through the forest again until it passes a pasture. Special attention and respect towards the grazing animals is required here.
At the next crossroads, we follow the signs towards Speckbacher hut and now the red marking. We will pass this intersection again later on the way back. The trail continues directly to the Speckbacher hut. Along the way, there is a wonderful view of the entire Rax massif.
The return route initially takes the same trail back to the already known crossroads. There we follow the signs towards Kreuzberg / Gasthaus Polleres, Althammerhof – marked red. The path continues on a wide hiking trail that leads into a gravel road on the summer plateau.
At the point where a forest path branches off to the right towards Breitenstein train station, we stay on the forest road. As soon as the road is paved again, we follow the signs towards Breitenstein train station and descend via the upper Bahnstraße. There, a path branches off to the right through Lindenstraße towards the station. At the end of Lindenstraße is the municipal office, with the train station located directly above it.
Directions
From Vienna, take the S6 to the Gloggnitz exit. Then follow the state road to Schottwien. In Schottwien, turn towards Breitenstein at the intersection. Then follow the road through the Adlitzgraben to Breitenstein.
From Graz: Take the S35 and S6 to the Spital/S. exit. Turn towards Semmering and follow the road to Breitenstein.
Parking
Parking spaces are available at Breitenstein train station.
Travel by train to Breitenstein train station, where the starting point of the hike is located. Alternatively, you can individually book a ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which takes you to Breitenstein.
RUFbus stops along the route:
Breitenstein train station (95)
Breitenstein municipal office (96)
Speckbacher hut (98)
TIP: Easily with the Postbus-Shuttle-App or via the hotline +43 660 900 88 22.
More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Author's tip
- Refreshments at the Speckbacher hut (overnight stays possible)
- Detour via the Pfeffer Steig to Pollereswand
- Detour to the Weinzettelwand and the viewpoints Breitensteinblick and Semmeringblick
- At the Speckbacher hut you will find probably Europe's oldest and largest rhododendron. The tree is over 100 years old and covers an area of 131 m²!
- Photo exhibition at Breitenstein train station
