Raxalm Mountain Inn - Ottohaus (Snowshoe route 1) approx. 45 min

©Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich - Semmering Rax

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1,90 km
Ascent: 103 m elevation gain

Snowshoe hike on the Rax from the mountain station of the Rax cable car to Ottohaus

Starting point of the tour: Raxalm Mountain Inn
Tour destination: Ottohaus

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1,90 km
Ascent: 103 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
2/6
Overall experience:
4/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point1539 m
Highest point1642 m

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

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Description

You ascend to the Raxalpe with the Rax cable car – Austria’s oldest passenger cable car, which has been operating since 1926. At the top, snowy mountain meadows, wide views, and fresh, clear mountain air open up. The Raxalm mountain inn forms the starting point of the snowshoe tour. In about 45 minutes, the path leads with snowshoes to Ottohaus.

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

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely beautiful and safe experience.Please observe the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and your condition. Check the weather report in advance. Weather in the mountains can change very quickly. Always set off well equipped (snowshoes, winter hiking gear). Avoid tours on the high plateau in fog and strong winds. Check whether the huts and snack stations you plan to visit are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and your planned return before you start. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Practice respect with fire and immediately report any possible fire to the fire department. (122) Do not litter and dispose of waste properly.8 basic rules in the mountainsWARNING: Definitely pay attention to avalanche danger! Avalanche Warning Service Lower AustriaEmergency number of 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. Take sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Don't forget your mobile phone and save the emergency number of mountain rescue: 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, the path leads along the red marking and the yellow hiking signs over the Gatterlkreuz to Ottohaus. (see map attached) The same way leads back to the mountain station.
Parking Parking spaces are available at the valley station of the Rax cable car.
Getting there From Vienna take the A2 South motorway to 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 Payerbach-Reichenau station. From there, bus line 341 runs to the stop "Hirschwang an der Rax/Rax cable car".Alternatively, you can individually book a ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax that will take 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 theÖBB-Plus Ticket.
Editor’s tip Refreshments at Ottohaus or Raxalm Mountain Inn (Please check the opening times of the huts in advance)Extension of the snowshoe hike to the Höllental viewpoint

Recommended period

Current weather in Kleinau

2° to 8°

Today, 07.03.2026

Mainly clear

Wind speed2,1 km/h

3° to 7°

Tomorrow, 08.03.2026

Cloudy

Wind speed3,8 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

Ottohaus: Tel. 02666/52402

Please check the current opening times of the huts in advance as these may vary in winter.

More 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