Marienweg stage Payerbach - Schwarzau i. Gebirge

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 23,58 km
Duration: 7:15 h
Ascent: 572 m elevation gain
Descent: 446 m elevation gain

This stage of the Lower Austrian Marian Way runs from Payerbach via Reichenau, Hirschwang and Kaiserbrunn to Schwarzau im Gebirge.

Starting point of the tour: Payerbach
Tour destination: Schwarzau i. Gebirge

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 23,58 km
Duration: 7:15 h
Ascent: 572 m elevation gain
Descent: 446 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point474 m
Highest point660 m

Stage tour
With refreshment stops

Downloads

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Description

The route leads through the Schwarza valley to Reichenau, one of the historic summer resort towns of the 19th century. Numerous villas along the way bear witness to this period. The trail leads to Hirschwang, where you pass the valley station of the Rax Areal Ropeway, which has been taking visitors up to the Rax plateau since 1926. Now follow the "Wasserleitungsweg" through the Höllental valley to Kaiserbrunn. From here, the route continues along the road to the Weichtalhaus. On the road you finally reach Schwarzau im Gebirge, where several Mariazell trails come together. Due to the traffic, we strongly recommend taking the bus from Kaiserbrunn to Schwarzau!

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely beautiful and safe experience. Please observe the following: PreparationMake sure when choosing the route that it matches your experience and your fitness. Check the weather forecast beforehand. The weather can change surprisingly fast in the mountains. Always start accordingly equipped (e.g., rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit on the way are open. Inform someone about your route choice and expected return before you set off.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes appropriate for the route, take 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 From the town center in Payerbach, we walk along Dr.-Eduard-Coumont-Straße westward along the Schwarza. We turn right and cross the main road to continue along the Schwarza. Past Reichenau Castle, we turn right onto Hirschwangerstraße and follow the path along the railway. At the end of the path, we turn left to reach Hirschwang-Straße. We walk through the town on this street. After the sawmill factory, we turn right onto the path. We now walk along the water pipeline path to Kaiserbrunn. From here, it is recommended to take the bus, as the route now runs along the heavily trafficked B27 to Schwarzau im Gebirge.
Parking Park and Ride facility near the station Payerbach-Reichenau.
Getting there From Vienna, take the South Motorway A2 onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Payerbach. From Graz, take the S35 or A2 onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Payerbach.
Public transport Take the regional train towards Payerbach-Reichenau from Vienna via Wiener Neustadt to the final station. More information at www.oebb.at or www.vor.at
Editor’s tip From Kaiserbrunn, the route runs on a heavily used federal road. Special caution is advised here. We recommend taking the bus on this section!

Recommended period

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

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026