A particular attraction of the Semmering-Rax region is the ease of public transport and local mobility. Thanks to the Südbahn railway line, the region has excellent rail connections - ideal for anyone who wants to travel in a relaxed and sustainable way. Hop on the train in the morning and arrive in the hiking paradise within around an hour from Vienna or Graz. Thanks to the RUFbus stops, all hikes in the region are easily accessible by public transport.
The hiking trails connect seamlessly with RUFbus stops and regular buses at starting points, railway stations and car parks. The RUFbus Semmering-Rax works as an individual call-and-collect taxi and makes hiking even less stressful - without having to search for a parking space. This means you can enjoy the region in peace and quiet and plan your hike to suit your mood. There are eight railway stations along the railway hiking trail, which makes travelling to and from the station particularly flexible: a tour does not have to end at the same point at which it began.
If you are looking for an additional adventure factor, you can take the historic local railway "Höllentalbahn" from Payerbach-Reichenau station to Hirschwang. From there, it's just half an hour's walk or a short RUFbus ride to the Rax cable car or the starting point of the hiking trail “1. Wiener Wasserleitungsweg”.
The hiking trail from Hirschwang to Kaiserbrunn leads through the romantic Höllental, past rugged rock faces along the water pipeline, which has been supplying the Viennese with tap water since the second half of the 19th century. At the end of the tour, you can learn more about this technical achievement in the Wasserleitungsmuseumin Kaiserbrunn. The 4 km long hiking trail runs right next to the Schwarzau. Sure-footedness is required due to passages with inclines.
The railway hiking trail along the Semmering Railway UNESCO World Heritage Site offers one impressive view after another, and historic buildings bear witness to the masterful art of engineering. The hike leads from Semmering via Breitenstein and Klamm to Gloggnitz or Payerbach. There are eight railway stations along the entire route, making arrival and departure particularly convenient and flexible. At the same time, the length of the tour can be customised to suit your own needs.
The Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben is located on the Gahns, a foothill of the Schneeberg. You can travel comfortably by train to Payerbach-Reichenau station, from where the hike starts directly. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Austria's brightest mountain hut. In addition to refreshment stops, the hut also offers overnight accommodation in cosy rooms and dormitory. The way back can either be via the ascent route or via the Miesleitensteig in the direction of Kaiserbrunn. There is a bus service from Kaiserbrunn to Payerbach-Reichenau railway station.
All hiking start and end points in the region are located at railway stations, bus stops or can be reached by the RUFbus Semmering-Rax. Which bus stops are on the hiking routes can be found in each tour description under the "How to get there" tab .
