Description
This leisurely hike leads over fields and forest paths from Grünbacher Sattel via the district of Gutenmann. The hilly forest landscape repeatedly offers fantastic views of the Hohe Wand and side valleys. Passing the Schrattenstein ruin and over the wooden walkways of the natural jewel Johannesbach Gorge, you reach Würflach, where you can reward yourself with a visit to the Würflach Wellness World. There is the option to combine the route with the second part of the Regional Route S and thus hike back over the Hohe Wand to the Grünbacher Sattel.
Starting point of the tour
Grünbacher Sattel
Destination point of the tour
Parking lot at the Wellness World Würflach
Route description WAB - Regional Route S: Grünbacher Sattel - Gutenmann - Würflach
The Regional Route S starts at the Grünbacher Sattel. We follow the forest road south towards Reitzenberg and cover the first altitude meters. Passing the farms in Reitzenberg, we follow the slightly uphill cart track heading south towards Gutenmann. After a few minutes in the forest, we reach an intersection and now also hike with red markings to the Mühlriesenanger hut. In constant ups and downs, we follow the forest path towards Gutenmann and after about half an hour reach an asphalt road. We turn left and follow the scenic forest road to the Gutenmann-Steurer intersection and turn right to the cider tavern towards the Schrattenstein ruin. Passing the tavern and various resin harvesting cut patterns, we follow the forest roads and paths (marked in red, also running route) to the Lärbaumkreuz. At this intersection, not only is a rest taken, but we also take the path to the Schrattenstein ruin. The ruin can be explored; especially impressive are the views and the absolute silence, while unfortunately waiting in vain for knights and castle maidens.
Back on the path, we follow the red-marked descent route towards the Johannesbach Gorge (also feel-good route 2) down to Greith. Passing impressive rock walls, we descend through dense mixed forest and ravines into the valley and, after the first houses in Greith, turn right onto the road to the Johannesbach Gorge. The path leads us directly to the Gerhartl shelter at the entrance to the Johannesbach Gorge. We enjoy the descent on stairs and footbridges through the rushing gorge, an impressive spectacle, even if it is only of short duration. After leaving the gorge, with the creek still accompanying us, a nature experience trail leads us to the inn Klammwirtin and the road continues towards Würflach. Before reaching the houses of the town, we turn right at a turning area over the Johannesbach and ascend to the Wellness-Welt Würflach. Here ends the first part of the Regional Route S. The second part leads over Dörfles and the Hohe Wand back to the Grünbacher Sattel. Additionally, there are accommodation options in Würflach, or you can walk north for the return journey to Willendorf train station.
Directions
Travel from Vienna and Graz along the A2 to the exit Wr. Neustadt West. Take the B26 towards Puchberg am Schneeberg; shortly after the town of Grünbach the Grünbacher Sattel is reached.
Parking
There is a parking lot available right at the start at Grünbacher Sattel.
Take the train from Wiener Neustadt to Grünbach am Schneeberg Kohlebergwerk station. A short walk remains to the starting point of the hike. Alternatively, travel to Puchberg am Schneeberg and take the bus to Grünbach am Schneeberg Klaus.
More information can be found at www.oebb.at
