Description
The hike starts at Breitenstein Train Station and leads via the picturesque Pfeffer Steig up to Pollereswand. From there, special views open up of Schneeberg, Schneealpe, Hirschenkogel, Sonnwendstein, and the probably best-known viaduct of the region – the "Kalte Rinne".
A particular highlight on the descent is a naturally formed, picturesque rock window. The path continues downhill to the Kalte Rinne Viaduct, where there is an artful mosaic by the well-known artist Christian Ludwig Attersee. Another mosaic can be found on Kalte-Rinne Street.
The perfect conclusion to the hike is a stop at the Blunzenwirtin. Those with energy left can continue via the Spieß Valley to Wolfsbergkogel Train Station or further to the viewpoints "20 Schilling View" and "Doppelreiter Observation Tower".
Starting point of the tour
Breitenstein Train Station
Destination point of the tour
Blunzenwirt Breitenstein
Route description Pfeffer Steig
The hike starts at Breitenstein Train Station. From there, you follow the road uphill and turn right at the first intersection onto Orthofstraße. Following the yellow hiking signs towards Orthof, you walk about 450 meters along this road. On the right side, there is a small rest area with a bench on a meadow.
After about 450 meters, a forest path branches off to the left. At this point, a yellow sign with the inscription "Pfeffer Steig" points the way further. You follow the "Pfeffer Steig" up to Pollereswand. Once at the top, a beautiful view opens up, including the well-known viaduct "Kalte Rinne".
The descent leads past a striking rock window back to a forest path junction. There you keep right and walk down to the Krausel-Klause Viaduct. From there, continue to the right to the Kalte Rinne Viaduct, which was depicted on the 20 Schilling banknote. Also nearby is the Ghega Museum, dedicated to the builder of the Semmering railway.
If you instead follow the Pfeffer Steig straight on at the Krausel-Klause Viaduct, you will reach directly Kalte-Rinne Street and the mosaic by artist Christian Ludwig Attersee.
Upon reaching the Kalte Rinne Viaduct, follow the signs towards "Breitenstein Train Station." The return path runs along Kalte-Rinne Street to the intersection where the "Blunzenwirt" is located on the right side – ideal for a cozy stop to end the hike.
Directions
Coming from Vienna via the S6 to the Gloggnitz exit. Then follow the country road to Schottwien. In Schottwien, turn towards Breitenstein at the intersection. Now follow the road into the Adlitzgraben valley to Breitenstein.
Coming from Graz, take the S35 and S6 to the Spital/S exit. Turn towards Semmering and follow the road to Breitenstein.
Parking
Public parking spaces are available at Breitenstein Train Station.
Travel by train to Breitenstein Train Station, where the start of the hike is also located.
Alternatively, you can book an individual ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which takes you to Breitenstein.
RUFbus stops along the way:
Breitenstein Train Station (95)
Blunzenwirt (101)
Kalte Rinne (100)
Return trip: At Blunzenwirt, the hike's end point, is the RUFbus stop 101. Alternatively, you can follow the path back to Breitenstein Train Station (about a 20-minute walk).
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
