Hike from Preiner Gscheid to Waxriegelhaus

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2,99 km
Ascent: 286 m elevation gain

***** Attention: Renaturation work is taking place on the path between Preiner Gscheid and Waxriegelhaus. Therefore, please use the ascent via the forest road! **** Beautiful hike from Preiner Gscheid to Waxriegelhaus. The ideal hike for families!

Starting point of the tour: Preiner Gscheid
Tour destination: Waxriegelhaus

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2,99 km
Ascent: 286 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point1069 m
Highest point1355 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops
Suitable for families and children

Downloads

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Description

**** ATTENTION: ROUTE CHANGE ****

Due to renaturation work on the path, the path via the forest road or via the Helenenquelle to the Waxriegelhaus must currently be used.

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The Waxriegelhaus at 1,361 meters above sea level is located at the foot of the Rax and is open all year round. The hut is in a quiet location in a natural setting with forest and pasture. This pleasant atmosphere can also be enjoyed on the ascent from Preiner Gscheid. The pass between Lower Austria and Styria is the starting point for numerous hikes. After just a few meters, you are surrounded by the tranquillity of the forest and reach the Waxriegelhaus in around an hour. Here, hikers can enjoy the in-house Waxriegel beer and various culinary delights, such as Styria beef specialties. From Preiner Gscheid, you can also take a leisurely walk up the forest road to Waxriegelhaus, which takes a little longer but does not involve any steep inclines.

Family tip: The hiking tour to Waxriegelhaus is also possible with a baby carriage. With an all-terrain baby carriage, you can reach the hut directly via the forest road.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely wonderful and safe experience. Please observe the following:PreparationMake sure when choosing the route that it matches your experience and fitness level. Inform yourself in advance about the weather forecast. Weather in the mountains can change surprisingly fast. Therefore, always start well equipped (e.g., rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit en route are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and planned return before you set off.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Put on sturdy shoes adapted to the route, take sun and rain protection as well as water and a small snack. Take your mobile phone and save the emergency number of mountain rescue: 140
Route description For the ascent, take the red-white marked forest road. To reach the entrance of the forest road, follow the street briefly towards Lower Austria, and then the entrance is on the left side. Continue following it to the Waxriegelhaus. Please do not cross the "old ski slope" or go off-trail. Due to erosion damage, this section needs to recover.
Parking Parking available at Edelweißhütte/Preiner Gscheid.
Getting there From Vienna, take the South Motorway A2 to the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax, there take the third exit (Wartholzstraße) at the roundabout. Turn left onto Edlach, slightly left onto Dörfl, continue on L135, continue on Prein an der Rax/L135, continue on Preinrotte, turn slightly right onto Prein an der Rax, continue to Preiner Gscheid Str. up to the pass height.From Graz, take the S35 onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Mürzzuschlag-West exit. Continue on B23. Take the first exit at the roundabout to stay on B23. Turn right onto Hauptstraße, continue on Stojenstraße. Continue on Preiner Gscheid Str. up to the pass height.
Public transport Take the regional train towards Payerbach-Reichenau from Vienna via Wiener Neustadt to the final station. Take a taxi to Edelweißhütte/parking lot/Preiner Gscheid or take regional bus 1748 (direction: Prein/Rax Gh Oberer Eggl) to the Edelweißhütte, Preiner Gscheid stop.More information at www.oebb.at or www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Combine your hike with a stay at the wellness seminar hotel Raxalpenhof**** and indulge yourself.

Recommended period

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

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026