• Ein wunderbarer Ausblick von der Ruine Schrattenbach und der Rotte Greith auf den Schneeberg.
    ©© Wiener Alpen/Christian Kremsl

Hiking on the Schneeberg

The white giant with a gentle heart

Tips & routes for hiking on the Schneeberg

Lower Austria’s highest mountain is an impressive sight. If you approach it with respect, you’ll get to know it from its friendliest side: as a natural paradise, an adventure playground and a nearby excursion destination from Vienna. No wonder the Schneeberg has been the backdrop to the most beautiful family memories in tens of thousands of photo albums for generations … 

“You’re already blown away as soon as you arrive in Puchberg and see the whole mountain stretching out before you for the first time under a brilliant blue sky, but then you start climbing, and it gets even more beautiful: you treat yourself to a fragrant Buchtel and a hot coffee at the Baumgartner hut. You take a break in the cool shade of the Elisabethkircherl. And eventually you find yourself at the top by the Klosterwappen, with the Rax and Ötscher stretching out before you. If you’re lucky, you might even see as far as the Dachstein …” 

KARL TISCH, Hausmeister des höchsten Bergs von Niederösterreich
  • 0
    Elevation gain
  • 0
    First ascent
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    1. Rack-and-pinion railway
©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Robin Uthe

Mountain rescuer since 1985

Once Karl Tisch starts raving about it, there’s no stopping him. ‘Schneeberg-Koarl’ is something of a caretaker of Lower Austria’s highest mountain, which stands out against the landscape as a snow-white monument from early autumn well into spring. 

A native of the village of Schneeberg, he has already written two books about his local mountain. And as a mountain rescuer since 1985, he has brought thousands of people safely down into the valley.

A hiking destination for the whole family

“Our Schneeberg is a familymountain,” says Karl Tisch, “Children love the thrilling ride up on the historic rack-and-pinion railway, the varied walking trails with cows and chamois by the wayside, the Salamander playground or the playgrounds at the chair lift’s summit station.” 

Yet although it’s so quick and easy to reach from Vienna, the Schneeberg is alpine terrain – “a proper mountain”, according to the expert. “That’s why you should only set off if you’re well equipped, keep an eye on the weather forecast and choose a route that even the least fit member of the family will enjoy.” 

Those with sporting ambitions can ascend via the Fadensteig; beginners tend to prefer the hiking route along the rack railway line or the Schneebergbahn itself. 

  • Living room with wood-burning stove, TV and decorated table.
    ©Wiener Alpen

    Apartement im Nazbauerhof

    Zellenbach 12, 2663 Rohr im Gebirge
  • Exterior view of a restaurant with parasols and guests outside.
    ©Lukas Dostal

    Fischauer Thermalrestaurant

    Hauptstraße 10, 2721 Bad Fischau-Brunn
  • Kitchen with corner bench, table, chairs, TV, microwave and cupboards.
    ©Stern

    Apartment Robert

    Nettingerstraße 302, 2724 Maiersdorf
    • DifficultyEasy
    • Distance59,54 km
    • Duration4:25 h

    Museumsradeln - Von Wiener Neustadt in´s Schneebergland

    Cycling tour Starting from Wiener Neustadt Train Station

  • Heuriger 8er Grund

    Höllesstraße 4, 2751 Matzendorf
  • Modern vacation apartment with garden and terrace in a rural setting.
    ©Wiener Alpen / Christian Kremsl

    Ferienwohnung Semler

    Ziehrerweg 39, 2734 Puchberg am Schneeberg
  • A yellow house with a red roof, garden and small pond in the foreground.
    ©Angelika Burger

    Apartment Sonnleiten

    Losenheimer Straße 86, 2734 Puchberg am Schneeberg

  • Buschenschank Hartberger

    Hauptstraße 22, 2751 Hölles

  • Hohe Mandling

    2763 Feichtenbach

  • Pecherpfad Hölles

    Bahngasse 8, 2751 Matzendorf

Two walks that everyone will enjoy

Quaint huts, sweeping views and the high plateau beneath your hiking boots: these two walks will make you want to explore the Schneeberg.

  • Living room with wood-burning stove, TV and decorated table.
    ©Wiener Alpen

    Apartement im Nazbauerhof

    Zellenbach 12, 2663 Rohr im Gebirge
  • Exterior view of a restaurant with parasols and guests outside.
    ©Lukas Dostal

    Fischauer Thermalrestaurant

    Hauptstraße 10, 2721 Bad Fischau-Brunn
  • Kitchen with corner bench, table, chairs, TV, microwave and cupboards.
    ©Stern

    Apartment Robert

    Nettingerstraße 302, 2724 Maiersdorf
    • DifficultyEasy
    • Distance59,54 km
    • Duration4:25 h

    Museumsradeln - Von Wiener Neustadt in´s Schneebergland

    Cycling tour Starting from Wiener Neustadt Train Station

  • Heuriger 8er Grund

    Höllesstraße 4, 2751 Matzendorf
  • Modern vacation apartment with garden and terrace in a rural setting.
    ©Wiener Alpen / Christian Kremsl

    Ferienwohnung Semler

    Ziehrerweg 39, 2734 Puchberg am Schneeberg
  • A yellow house with a red roof, garden and small pond in the foreground.
    ©Angelika Burger

    Apartment Sonnleiten

    Losenheimer Straße 86, 2734 Puchberg am Schneeberg

  • Buschenschank Hartberger

    Hauptstraße 22, 2751 Hölles

  • Hohe Mandling

    2763 Feichtenbach

  • Pecherpfad Hölles

    Bahngasse 8, 2751 Matzendorf

FAQ

5 questions that Schneeberg fans are interested in

A comfortable journey uphill on the Schneebergbahn

If you want to enjoy the mountain air and panoramic views at over 2,000 metres above sea level, you don’t necessarily have to walk all the way up. Since 1897, the historic Schneeberg Railway – Austria’s longest rack-and-pinion railway – has been running from the Puchberg tourist centre up to Hochschneeberg station, Austria’s highest railway station, in 40 minutes. 

Those who don’t want to go quite so high can also take the Schneeberg chairlift all year round, gliding comfortably from 870 to 1,200 metres above sea level in just a few minutes. 

Fischerhütte and Co.: Where walkers stop for a rest on the Schneeberg

Admittedly, anyone who’s spent a few hours working up a sweat in the fresh air, or who’s sitting at a wooden table with a distant view alongside their favourite people on a glorious day off – well, they might not be judging quite objectively. 

But it is certainly striking how many people claim to have eaten the world’s best Buchteln or the most delicious doughnuts of their lives at the Schneeberg … 

These are places where people particularly enjoy stopping for a bite to eat.

  • Living room with wood-burning stove, TV and decorated table.
    ©Wiener Alpen

    Apartement im Nazbauerhof

    Zellenbach 12, 2663 Rohr im Gebirge
  • Exterior view of a restaurant with parasols and guests outside.
    ©Lukas Dostal

    Fischauer Thermalrestaurant

    Hauptstraße 10, 2721 Bad Fischau-Brunn
  • Kitchen with corner bench, table, chairs, TV, microwave and cupboards.
    ©Stern

    Apartment Robert

    Nettingerstraße 302, 2724 Maiersdorf
    • DifficultyEasy
    • Distance59,54 km
    • Duration4:25 h

    Museumsradeln - Von Wiener Neustadt in´s Schneebergland

    Cycling tour Starting from Wiener Neustadt Train Station

  • Heuriger 8er Grund

    Höllesstraße 4, 2751 Matzendorf
  • Modern vacation apartment with garden and terrace in a rural setting.
    ©Wiener Alpen / Christian Kremsl

    Ferienwohnung Semler

    Ziehrerweg 39, 2734 Puchberg am Schneeberg
  • A yellow house with a red roof, garden and small pond in the foreground.
    ©Angelika Burger

    Apartment Sonnleiten

    Losenheimer Straße 86, 2734 Puchberg am Schneeberg

  • Buschenschank Hartberger

    Hauptstraße 22, 2751 Hölles

  • Hohe Mandling

    2763 Feichtenbach

  • Pecherpfad Hölles

    Bahngasse 8, 2751 Matzendorf
Ein farbenfroher Zug schlängelt sich durch die sanften Hügel der Wiener Alpen, umgeben von üppigem Grün und majestätischen Ausblicken. Die Wolken ziehen gemächlich über den Himmel und verleihen der Szenerie eine friedliche Atmosphäre, die zum Verweilen einlädt.
©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Wachauinside

Just an hour from Vienna – what could possibly go wrong?

The Schneeberg is a gentle giant that has brought carefree joy to tens of thousands of families. In return, however, it demands respect: at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it is Lower Austria’s highest mountain and requires alpine kit. Sturdy footwear should go without saying. “Whatever the weather, your rucksack should contain a thick jacket, a hat, rainwear and gloves,” adds Schneeberg expert Karl Tisch. In the warmer months, sun cream with a high SPF is essential; in autumn, you should take the early sunset into account when planning your hike.  

My 10 personal highlights

by ‘Schneeberg-Koarl’ Karl Tisch, mountain rescuer and author.

10Highlights

  • Panoramic view from a mountain with a bench in the foreground and green hills in the background.
    ©Wiener Alpen, Foto: Franz Zwickl

    1. Das schönste Platzerl

    Bei Sonnenauf- oder Untergang ganz oben am Gipfel

  • A view from above of the Knofeleben Nature Friends’ Centre
    ©Wiener Alpen / Bene Croy

    2. Die beste Wanderung

    Über die Eng hinauf zur Knofeleben, dort ein gutes Bier trinken, über den Krummbachstein nach Baumgarten, eine Buchtel essen und wieder heim ins Schneebergdörfl.

  • A fisherman's cabin on Schneeberg with a terrace, benches, and a decorative ibex statue in front of the building
    ©Wiener Alpen/Sophie Menegaldo

    3. Die köstlichste Stärkung

    Die Blunznpalatschinke auf der Fischerhütte, dazu ein Krautsalat

  • Hiking Schneebergland
    ©©NÖW, Foto: Weinfranz

    4. Die herrlichste Aussicht

    … hat man vom Krummbachstein

  • Auf dem Gipfel des Schneebergs genießen Wanderer die atemberaubende Aussicht auf die umliegenden Berge und Täler. Die frische Bergluft und das sanfte Licht der Nachmittagssonne schaffen eine unvergessliche Atmosphäre für Naturliebhaber. Hier, wo die Natur in voller Pracht erblüht, wird jeder Schritt zum Erlebnis.
    ©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Andreas Jakwerth

    5. Der lohnendste Selfie-Platz

    Am Kaiserstein Richtung Tal, im Hintergrund Puchberg bis Neusiedlersee und Bucklige Welt

  • View of the Schneeberg from the site
    ©Gelaendehuette, Foto Fam. Postl

    6. Der schönste Blick auf den Berg

    Am Weg von Puchberg über die Klaus, am besten kurz nach Sonnenaufgang

  • Nandlgrad on the Schneeberg
    ©Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich - Schneeberg Hohe Wand

    7. Die ideale Tageszeit

    Sehr zeitig in der Früh am Nandl- oder Novembergrat, die Sonne im Rücken

  • A view of the Schneeberg from the valley in autumn
    ©Wiener Alpen/ Franz Zwickl

    8. Die Ideale Jahreszeit

    Der Herbst: Wenn die Blätter schon golden sind und die Lärchen sich umfärben, wenn man oben am Berg schon eine Schneekrone sieht und drüber der Himmel tiefblau ist

  • Hikers with good kit in front of the Schneeberg

    9. Das wichtigste Kleidungsstück

    Wanderschuhe, wind- und wasserfeste Jacke, Handschuhe, Haube,

  • In der sanften Dämmerung erstrahlen die Ybbstaler Alpen in einem magischen Licht. Zwei Wanderer, ausgestattet mit Stirnlampen, erkunden die unberührte Natur und genießen die frische Morgenluft, während die ersten Sonnenstrahlen den Horizont küssen.
    ©© Mostviertel Tourismus/Josef Wittibschlager

    10. Das unverzichtbarste Extra im Rucksack

    Stirnlampe und ein kleines Schnapserl für den Gipfel