Hochwechsel Tour

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 21,33 km
Duration: 6:30 h
Ascent: 785 m elevation gain
Descent: 785 m elevation gain

The tour for summiteers! On the Hochwechsel tour, you hike from Mönichkirchen via huts, Schwaigen and through special landscapes to an altitude of 1732 meters.

Starting point of the tour: Mönichkirchen - Valley Station Chairlift Mönichkirchen
Tour destination: Hochwechsel

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 21,33 km
Duration: 6:30 h
Ascent: 785 m elevation gain
Descent: 785 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point1006 m
Highest point1735 m

Round tour
Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Summit tour

Downloads

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Description

The start of the Hochwechsel Tour is in Mönichkirchen. Right at the start, between Mönichkirchen and Mönchkirchner Schwaig, you can walk along the themed water of life trail with 7 stations, including the Salaerium, where brine drips onto brushwood and releases essential oils. Those who prefer a more leisurely walk can take the "Sonnenlift" to the summit station at Mönichkirchner Schwaig. The trail continues via the Studentenkreuz to the Vorauer Schwaig and finally to the Hochwechsel, the highest peak of the Wechsel at 1743 meters above sea level. The unique panoramic view extends across Semmering and Rax to Schneeberg - and even across the border to Slovenia and Hungary. It's worth stopping off here at the Wetterkoglerhaus, where you can rest and fortify yourself with minced meat, for example. The return journey then takes you over the Niederwechsel at an altitude of 1669 meters to the Steinerne Stiege, a natural rock formation reminiscent of a staircase, on to the "Stoa Alm" or to the Hallerhaus in the direction of Mönichkirchner Schwaig, from where you can reach the valley on foot or by mountain cart to Mönichkirchen. There is also a section of the trail along the Wiener Alpenbogen - Arc of the Viennese Alps (trail ) from Mönichkirchen to the Feistritzsattel.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience. Please therefore note the following:PreparationMake sure the route you choose matches your experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast beforehand. Weather can change surprisingly fast in the mountains. Always set out properly equipped (e.g. rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit on your way are open. Inform someone about your route choice and planned return before you start out.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes appropriate for the route, bring sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Carry your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description We start at the valley station in Mönichkirchen and hike towards the Student Cross. From there, we follow the paths marked with numbers 6, 8, and 924 to the Vorauer Schwaig. From here, we continue along path number 924, which leads us to the Central Alpine Trail. We keep left and reach Hochwechsel. On the way back, we follow the Central Alpine Trail, passing Niederwechsel, Steinerner Stiege, and Hallerhaus back to the Mönichkirchner Schwaig. From here, we either follow the signs on foot or ride a scooter down to the valley in Mönichkirchen.If ascending by cable car, it is recommended to do the circular route in the opposite direction or directly on the Central Alpine Trail.
Parking Parking lot of the Sonnenbahn Mönichkirchen.
Getting there By car from Vienna, take the A2 motorway, exit at Edlitz and merge onto Wechsel Str./B54 towards Aspang, then follow the B54 road to Mönichkirchen.By car from Graz, take the A2 motorway, at the Graz-East junction take the left onto A2/E66 towards Vienna/Gleisdorf/Laßnitzhöhe/Hungary and continue on the A2.At exit 95 Pinggau, head towards Friedberg/B63, Haideggendorf, at the roundabout take the third exit onto B63, then right onto B54 and follow the road to Mönichkirchen.Park at the valley station of the Sonnenbahn Mönichkirchen.
Public transport Take the train from Vienna via Wiener Neustadt to Aspang Markt. Then continue by bus to Mönichkirchen, getting off at the "Hotel Binder" stop.Take the train from Graz to Aspang Markt. Then continue by bus to Mönichkirchen, getting off at the "Hotel Binder" stop.Then walk to the valley station of the Sonnenbahn Mönichkirchen.More information is available at www.oebb.at , www.vor.at
Editor’s tip The first elevation meters up to the alpine pasture can also be covered by the 4-seater chairlift.For a longer stay, accommodation is available at the Alpenhotel Enzian or at the Breakfast Pension Koderholt or Stoa Alm!

Recommended period

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

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026