Breitenstein - small Breitenstein loop

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,54 km
Ascent: 302 m elevation gain
Descent: 304 m elevation gain

Breitenstein station to the Speckbacherhütte and via the Kreuzberg and the Sommerhöhe back to the starting point

Starting point of the tour: Breitenstein train station
Tour destination: Breitenstein train station

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,54 km
Ascent: 302 m elevation gain
Descent: 304 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6

Lowest point774 m
Highest point1097 m

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

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Description

The short Breitenstein loop starts directly at Breitenstein train station. Via the Postlersteig, the path that letter carriers used to take as a shortcut through the village, the hike leads to the sunny side of the Kreuzberg to the Speckbacher huts with wonderful views of the surrounding area. After a rest and refreshments, the trail leads over the summit of the Kreuzberg at an altitude of 1084 meters and along forest roads back down to Breitenstein. Those who appreciate impressive views can make worthwhile detours to three striking vantage points along the way: the Pollereswand and the Weinzettlwand with the Breitensteinblick and the Semmeringblick.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience.Please observe the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly. Therefore, always set out equipped accordingly (appropriate footwear, rain protection). Check if the huts and snack stations you want to visit are open. Inform someone about your route choice and planned return before setting out. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Due to dryness, meadows and forests are easily flammable. Handle fire with respect and report any possible fire immediately to the fire brigade. Do not litter and dispose of waste properly.8 rules of the mountain
Equipment Always bring suitable maps. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, take sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Bring your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description The hike begins at Breitenstein train station. From there, we follow the signs towards Speckbacher hut uphill along the road. At the first intersection, we turn left and follow the white-blue trail markers. The path initially runs on a road until a forest path branches off to the right. We follow this uphill, staying on the blue-marked route.The path passes a meadow – looking back, an impressive panorama opens up of the historic Südbahnhotel at Semmering. Afterwards, the trail goes through the forest again until it passes a pasture. Special attention and respect towards the grazing animals is required here.At the next crossroads, we follow the signs towards Speckbacher hut and now the red marking. We will pass this intersection again later on the way back. The trail continues directly to the Speckbacher hut. Along the way, there is a wonderful view of the entire Rax massif.The return route initially takes the same trail back to the already known crossroads. There we follow the signs towards Kreuzberg / Gasthaus Polleres, Althammerhof – marked red. The path continues on a wide hiking trail that leads into a gravel road on the summer plateau.At the point where a forest path branches off to the right towards Breitenstein train station, we stay on the forest road. As soon as the road is paved again, we follow the signs towards Breitenstein train station and descend via the upper Bahnstraße. There, a path branches off to the right through Lindenstraße towards the station. At the end of Lindenstraße is the municipal office, with the train station located directly above it.
Parking Parking spaces are available at Breitenstein train station.
Getting there From Vienna, take the S6 to the Gloggnitz exit. Then follow the state road to Schottwien. In Schottwien, turn towards Breitenstein at the intersection. Then follow the road through the Adlitzgraben to Breitenstein.From Graz: Take the S35 and S6 to the Spital/S. exit. Turn towards Semmering and follow the road to Breitenstein.
Public transport Travel by train to Breitenstein train station, where the starting point of the hike is located. Alternatively, you can individually book a ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which takes you to Breitenstein.RUFbus stops along the route:Breitenstein train station (95)Breitenstein municipal office (96)Speckbacher hut (98)TIP: Easily with the Postbus-Shuttle-App or via the hotline +43 660 900 88 22.More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Refreshments at the Speckbacher hut (overnight stays possible)Detour via the Pfeffer Steig to PollereswandDetour to the Weinzettelwand and the viewpoints Breitensteinblick and SemmeringblickAt the Speckbacher hut you will find probably Europe's oldest and largest rhododendron. The tree is over 100 years old and covers an area of 131 m²!Photo exhibition at Breitenstein train station

Recommended period

Hiking map of the municipality of Breitenstein, +43 (0) 2664 2143

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

Tourism office Semmering, www.semmering.at, +43 / 2664 / 20025

Hut opening times

Letzte Änderung: 19 Mar 2026