Pfeffer Steig

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4,41 km
Ascent: 156 m elevation gain
Descent: 223 m elevation gain

Breitenstein Train Station - Orthofstraße - Pfeffer Steig - Pollereswand - Kalte Rinne Viaduct via Kalte Rinne Street to Blunzenwirt

Starting point of the tour: Breitenstein Train Station
Tour destination: Blunzenwirt Breitenstein

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4,41 km
Ascent: 156 m elevation gain
Descent: 223 m elevation gain

Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point722 m
Highest point952 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

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Description

The hike begins at Breitenstein station and leads up to the Pollereswand via the picturesque Pfeffer-Steig trail. There you can enjoy special views of the Schneeberg, the Schneealpe, the Hirschenkogel, the Sonnwendstein and probably the most famous viaduct in the region - the "Kalte Rinne".

A special highlight on the descent is a naturally formed, picturesque rock window. The trail continues downhill to the Kalte Rinne viaduct, where you will find an artistic mosaic by the famous artist Christian Ludwig Attersee. Another mosaic can be discovered on the Kalte-Rinne road.

The hike comes to a successful conclusion with a stop at the Blunzenwirtin inn. If you still have energy left, you can continue via the Spießtal valley to Wolfsbergkogel station or on to the "20-Schilling-Blick" and "Doppelreiter-Aussichtswarte" viewpoints.

Equipment Always bring suitable maps. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, take sun and rain protection as well as water and a small snack. Bring your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description The hike starts at Breitenstein Train Station. From there, you follow the road uphill and turn right at the first intersection onto Orthofstraße. Following the yellow hiking signs towards Orthof, you walk about 450 meters along this road. On the right side, there is a small rest area with a bench on a meadow.After about 450 meters, a forest path branches off to the left. At this point, a yellow sign with the inscription "Pfeffer Steig" points the way further. You follow the "Pfeffer Steig" up to Pollereswand. Once at the top, a beautiful view opens up, including the well-known viaduct "Kalte Rinne".The descent leads past a striking rock window back to a forest path junction. There you keep right and walk down to the Krausel-Klause Viaduct. From there, continue to the right to the Kalte Rinne Viaduct, which was depicted on the 20 Schilling banknote. Also nearby is the Ghega Museum, dedicated to the builder of the Semmering railway.If you instead follow the Pfeffer Steig straight on at the Krausel-Klause Viaduct, you will reach directly Kalte-Rinne Street and the mosaic by artist Christian Ludwig Attersee.Upon reaching the Kalte Rinne Viaduct, follow the signs towards "Breitenstein Train Station." The return path runs along Kalte-Rinne Street to the intersection where the "Blunzenwirt" is located on the right side – ideal for a cozy stop to end the hike.
Parking Public parking spaces are available at Breitenstein Train Station.
Getting there Coming from Vienna via the S6 to the Gloggnitz exit. Then follow the country road to Schottwien. In Schottwien, turn towards Breitenstein at the intersection. Now follow the road into the Adlitzgraben valley to Breitenstein.Coming 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 start of the hike is also located.Alternatively, you can book an individual ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which takes you to Breitenstein. RUFbus stops along the way:Breitenstein Train Station (95)Blunzenwirt (101)Kalte Rinne (100)Return trip: At Blunzenwirt, the hike's end point, is the RUFbus stop 101. Alternatively, you can follow the path back to Breitenstein Train Station (about a 20-minute walk). 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 Stop at the BlunzenwirtThen hike over the Spieß Valley to SemmeringVisit the Ghega Museum at Kalte Rinne

Recommended period

Current weather in Breitenstein

3° to 7°

Today, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed3,5 km/h

1° to 5°

Tomorrow, 13.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed6,3 km/h