First Vienna Water Pipeline Trail

Hiking route from Hirschwang an der Rax to Kaiserbrunn

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Elevation profile

3,91 km length

Tour dates
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Route: 3,91 km
  • Ascent: 131 egm
  • Descent: 72 egm
  • Duration: 1:20 h
  • Lowest point: 504 m
  • Highest point:572 m
Features
  • With refreshment stops
  • Accessibility by train and bus
  • Suitable for families and children
  • Cultural/historical value
  • Geological highlights
  • Botanical highlights

Details for: First Vienna Water Pipeline Trail

Brief description

The source of life for the inhabitants of Vienna lies in Reichenau. The Kaiserbrunn spring is the source of the first Vienna water pipeline, built between 1869 and 1873 . The water flows from Kaiserbrunn to Vienna every day.

Description

The Vienna Water Pipeline Trail was established along the most beautiful sections of the water pipeline in 1998. The section with the most striking landscape is surely that leading through the wild and romantic Höllental. The hike can also be combined with a visit to the water pipeline museum in Kaiserbrunn.

Starting point of the tour

Hirschwang an der Rax

Destination point of the tour

Kaiserbrunn

Route description First Vienna Water Pipeline Trail

The starting point for the hike is the car park at the end of the village of Hirschwang. From here, we walk to Kaiserbrunn through the stunning Höllental between Rax and Schneeberg. Crossing a climb with ladders and stairways makes this hike a special experience. This is only surpassed by the view of the crystal clear view of the Schwarza river, which takes a picturesque course through the forest, past gravel banks and steep rocks. From Kaiserbrunn we either take the same route back to the start, or take a bus, taxi or car back to Hirschwang.

Directions

Take the A2 to Knoten Seebenstein - S6 to Gloggnitz - B27 to Hirschwang an der Rax

Parking

There are parking spaces at the end of the village of Hirschwang.

Take the Südbahn (southern train) to Payerbach-Reichenau. There are regular buses between Payerbach-Reichenau station and the starting point of the First Vienna Water Pipeline Trail.

More info/links

Verantwortlicher für den Inhalt dieser Tour
Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich - Semmering Rax
Letzte Aktualisierung: 28.10.2023

Fakten zur 1. Wiener Wasserleitung:

Der Bau der Wasserleitung wurde zur Versorgung der Wiener von Kaiser Franz Joseph angeordnet, die Quelle erhielt den Namen Kaiserbrunn.Die Bauzeit der 112 km langen Leitung von Kaiserbrunn nach Wien dauerte 4 Jahre (1869–1873).Bis heute stammt die Hälfte des Wiener Leitungswassers aus dieser Quelle. Über 60 Mio. Kubikmeter fließen jährlich durch die historische Wasserleitung.

Parkmöglichkeiten:

In Hirschwang steht vor der Ras-Seilbahn und direkt vor dem Einstieg zum Wasserleitungsweg auf der linken Seite ein großer Parkplatz kostenlos zur Verfügung.

Weitere Informationen:

Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Tourismusbüro Reichenau, Tel. 02666/52865
Wasserleitungsmuseum Kaiserbrunn, Tel. 02666/52548

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

Safety information

The route is not passable at high water!

Mountain rescue emergency number: 140

EU emergency number: 112

Your hiking experience in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly enjoyable and safe one. Therefore, please bear the following in mind:

Preparation

When choosing a route, make sure it corresponds to your experience and physical fitness level. Check the weather forecast before you set off. The weather can change surprisingly quickly in the mountains. Always take appropriate equipment with you (e.g. rain protection).

Check whether the cabins and snack stations you intend to visit along the way are open. Inform someone before you set off of your chosen route and when you plan to return.

Map recommendations

freytag&berndt WK022 ; WK012

Author's tip

Combine your hike with an overnight stay in the Rax region! The Hotel Seminar Park Hirschwang, the Wellness Seminar Hotel Raxalpenhog, Flackl-Wirt or the Marienhof in Reichenau and Payerbacherhof can be booked online now.

More tours around the starting point