Hike to the Raxalpe Mountain Inn (from Knappenhof)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5,83 km
Duration: 3:16 h
Ascent: 1046 m elevation gain

The ideal hiking trail on foot from the Knappenhof to the mountain inn Raxalpe at the summit station of the Rax Areal Ropeway via the Gsolhirnsteig.

Starting point of the tour: Knappenhof parking lot
Tour destination: Raxalpe Mountain Inn

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5,83 km
Duration: 3:16 h
Ascent: 1046 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
4/6
Overall experience:
4/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point496 m
Highest point1546 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops

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The ideal hiking trail on foot from the Knappenhof to the mountain inn Raxalpe at the summit station of the Rax Areal Ropeway via the Gsolhirnsteig.

Our destination, the Raxalm mountain inn at an altitude of 1,545 meters, is open all year round and is located right next to the summit station of the Rax cable car. If you wish, you can also stop for refreshments at the Knappenhof before the tour. The trail also leads past the Wiener Alpenbogen - Arc of the Viennese Alps (trail). If you want to start from Payerbach or Reichenau, you can follow the blue signs for the Wiener Alpenbogen - Arc of the Viennese Alps (trail) and then turn off onto this route at the Knappenhof in the direction of the mountain inn Raxalpe (trail). The mountain inn can of course also be reached comfortably with the Rax Areal Ropeway. However, the ascent of more than 1000 meters in altitude is worthwhile in any case, because at the mountain inn Raxalpe not only a large sunbathing lawn with a beautiful view awaits you, but also the famous goulash is not to be missed!

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely beautiful and safe experience. Please therefore observe the following:PreparationMake sure when choosing the route that it matches your experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. Weather can change surprisingly quickly in the mountains. Always start out suitably equipped (e.g. rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit along the way are open. Inform someone about your route choice and expected return before setting off.Further safety tips for your hike can be found here.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes appropriate to the route, bring sun and rain protection as well as water and a small snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description We start from the Knappenhof parking lot onto the hiking trail. This leads us onto an asphalted path which we follow straight ahead. At the right curve, we continue straight on the hiking trail. We reach a fork in the path, here we go right up the trail. Following the trail, we keep to the right and pass by the Rax cable car. At a T-junction, we turn left uphill and at the next fork, left again. One last time, we turn left onto a path and shortly reach our destination, the mountain inn.
Parking Parking available at Hotel Knappenhof.
Getting there From Vienna take the A2 South Motorway onto the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax, drive straight at the roundabout and then turn left onto Trautenberg Street. Trautenberg Street curves left and becomes Hirschwang an der Rax. Follow Hirschwang to Thonberg. Turn right, then left to stay on Thonberg. Follow until Knappenhof. From Graz take the S35 or A2 onto the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax, drive straight at the roundabout and then turn left onto Trautenberg Street. Trautenberg Street curves left and becomes Hirschwang an der Rax. Follow Hirschwang to Thonberg. Turn right, then left to stay on Thonberg. Follow until Knappenhof.
Public transport Take the regional train towards Payerbach-Reichenau from Vienna via Wiener Neustadt to the final stop. Take a taxi to Knappenhof or regional bus 1748 (direction: Prein/Rax Gh Oberer Eggl) to the Dörfl stop. From there, about a 30-minute walk to the starting point. More information at www.oebb.at or www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Combine your hike with an overnight stay at the Hotel Knappenhof or the Raxalpen Mountain Inn.Don't forget to take the Wiener Alpen Viewer with you on the route!

Recommended period

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

Raxalpe Mountain Inn, www.raxalpe.com/de

Letzte Änderung: 19 Mar 2026