Gatterlkreuz circular route (snowshoe route 3) approx. 50 min

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2,16 km
Ascent: 72 m elevation gain
Descent: 72 m elevation gain

Snowshoe circular hike on the Rax from the mountain station via Gatterlkreuz

Starting point of the tour: Raxalm mountain inn
Tour destination: Raxalm mountain inn

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2,16 km
Ascent: 72 m elevation gain
Descent: 72 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
2/6
Overall experience:
6/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point1496 m
Highest point1614 m

Round tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus
Suitable for families and children

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Description

Up to the Raxalpe you go with the Rax cable car – the oldest passenger cable car in Austria, which started operating in 1926. Once at the top, snowy alpine meadows open up, wide views and fresh, clear mountain air. The Raxalm mountain inn forms the starting point of the snowshoe tour. The circular route takes about 50 minutes.

Snowshoeing trains the whole body, strengthens the heart and circulation and promotes blood circulation through movement in the cold winter air.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely beautiful and safe experience.Please note the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and your fitness. Check the weather report in advance. The weather can change unexpectedly quickly in the mountains. Therefore, always start out suitably equipped (snowshoes, winter-proof hiking equipment). In fog and strong wind, avoid routes on the high plateau. Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit are open. Inform someone about your route choice and your planned return before you start. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Treat fire with respect and report any possible fire immediately to the fire brigade (122). Do not throw rubbish in the landscape and dispose of it properly.8 basic rules in the mountainsWARNING: Pay close attention to avalanche danger! →Avalanche Warning Service Lower AustriaEmergency number mountain rescue: 140EU emergency number: 122
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear winter clothing adapted to the route, sturdy shoes (waterproof, reaching above the ankles), gloves and a hat. Bring sun and rain protection as well as water and a small snack. Don’t forget your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description The starting point is the valley station of the Rax cable car. In just eight minutes, the cable car takes its passengers to the mountain station at 1,547 meters above sea level. From there, follow the red markings to Gatterlkreuz, where an impressive view of the Schneeberg, the highest mountain in Lower Austria, awaits. Then continue along the green markings towards Gsolhirnsteig. Shortly before the Gsolhirnsteig, the blue-marked snowshoe trail leads back to the Raxalm mountain inn. (See attached map.)
Parking Parking spaces are available at the valley station of the Rax cable car.
Getting there From Vienna, take the A2 South Motorway onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Drive via the B27 towards Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang. From Graz, take the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Drive via the B27 towards Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.
Public transport Travel by train to the Payerbach-Reichenau train station. From there, bus line 341 goes to the stop "Hirschwang an der Rax/Rax cable car".Alternatively, book an individual ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which takes you to the cable car.RUFbus stops along the way:PB6 Payerbach stationRE26 Rax cable carMore info: www.oebb.at and www.vor.atTip:Book train and cable car tickets together with the ÖBB-Plus ticket.
Editor’s tip Refreshment stop at the Raxalm mountain inn (Please check the opening hours of the huts) Enjoy the view from Gatterlkreuz of the highest mountain in Lower Austria, the Schneeberg

Recommended period

Current weather in Reichenau an der Rax

3° to 15°

Today, 07.03.2026

Clear sky

Wind speed1,2 km/h

4° to 15°

Tomorrow, 08.03.2026

Cloudy

Wind speed1,0 km/h

Snowshoe rental:

Snowshoes and trekking poles can be rented at the Raxalm mountain inn at the mountain station. Please reserve in advance.

Refreshment options and bases:

Raxalm mountain inn: Tel. 02666/52450

Check in advance for the current opening times of the huts, as they may vary in winter.

Further information:

Rax cable car

Dr. Ewald, Bing-Straße 3

2651 Reichenau an der Rax

Tel. 02666/52497 www.raxalpe.com

Vienna Alps in Lower Austria: www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Letzte Änderung: 25 Feb 2026