The “Höllental” valley

Wild and romantic nature on the Schwarza between Schneeberg and Rax.

Rugged cliffs rise steeply into the sky, and crystal-clear drinking water bubbles between idyllic sandbanks at the bottom of the valley. The Schwarza in Austria’s “Höllental” is a wonderful place to relax and refresh yourself. Hikers and mountaineers climb legendary routes on which alpine history was written. The Höllental valley between Hirschwang an der Rax and Schwarzau im Gebirge is one of the most idyllic places in the Viennese Alps.

Hiking along the “Wasserleitungsweg” trail

The purest drinking water flows through the Höllental, and has been supplying the city of Vienna for almost 150 years. Along this historic pipeline, which follows the natural contours of the landscape, you reach the Kaiserbrunn Wasserleitungsmuseum musuem along the 3.7-kilometre long Wasserleitungsweg trail. One ideal excursion for children is a trip to the Reichenau spa park complete with playground and café.

Climbing around the “Weichtalhaus”

In the middle of the Höllental lies the idyllic Weichtalhaus, a cosy hostel for hikers and climbers and a worthwhile destination for culinary excursions. In the climbing centre right next to the Weichtalhaus, there are courses for all levels. More than 2,000 routes lure you to this legendary rock face – everyone will find a suitable level of difficulty. A total of six via ferrata routes lead from the Höllental to Schneeberg and Rax.

Romantic Höllental railway & Höllental viewing platform

From Payerbach station, the Höllentalbahn – a museum narrow-gauge railway with lovingly renovated railcars – leads past the magnificent summer resort villas directly under the Rax. The nearby Rax cable car is the most convenient way to reach the alpine plateau. And by the way: the most impressive view of the rugged canyon is from the so-called “Höllental view” at 1,620 m above sea level, not far from the mountain station of the Rax cable car.

Car-free journey to the Rax and the Höllental valley

It is easy to travel by train to Payerbach-Reichenau station. From here, the regional bus 341 leads to the stops along the Höllental.