Plateau route on the Rax

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 10,83 km
Ascent: 203 m elevation gain
Descent: 203 m elevation gain

Snowshoe hike on the Rax from the Rax cable car mountain station to the Neue Seehütte

Starting point of the tour: Mountain station of the Rax cable car
Tour destination: Mountain station of the Rax cable car

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 10,83 km
Ascent: 203 m elevation gain
Descent: 203 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point1541 m
Highest point1694 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

Downloads

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Description

The Rax cable car, Austria's oldest passenger cable car, which began operating in 1926, takes you up to the Raxalpe. Once at the top, you are greeted by snow-covered alpine meadows, sweeping views, and fresh, clear mountain air. The Raxalm Berggasthof is the starting point for the snowshoe tour. The Ottohaus is the first hut after the mountain station. Until then, you can enjoy the unique view of the Schneeberg. The last stop, theNeue Seehütte (closed in winter), owes its name to a small lake that disappeared shortly after World War I. You can reach the hut in about 1:45 hours.

Snowshoe hiking exercises the entire body, strengthens the heart and circulation, and promotes blood circulation through movement in the cold winter air.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be an enjoyable and safe experience. Therefore, please note the following:When choosing a route, make sure that it matches your mountain experience and fitness level. Check the weather forecast in advance. The weather can change surprisingly quickly in the mountains. Therefore, always set off with the appropriate equipment (snowshoes, winter hiking gear). In foggy or windy conditions, hiking on the high plateau is not recommended. Check whether the huts and snack bars you plan to visit along the way are open. Before setting off, inform someone of your chosen route and your planned return time. Stay on marked trails and avoid shortcuts. Be respectful when handling fire and report any possible fires to the fire department immediately. (122) Do not litter and dispose of your trash properly.8 basic rules for the mountainsCAUTION: Be aware of avalanche danger! → Avalanche warning service Lower AustriaMountain rescue emergency number: 140EU emergency number: 122
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear winter clothing suitable for the tour, sturdy shoes (waterproof, covering the ankles), gloves, and a hat. Take sun and rain protection with you, as well as water and a snack. Don't forget your cell phone and save the emergency number for mountain rescue: 140.
Route description The starting point is the valley station of the Rax cable car. In just eight minutes, the cable car takes passengers to the mountain station at 1,547 meters above sea level. From there, the trail follows the red markings via the Gatterlkreuz to the Ottohaus and continues along the Seeweg to the Neue Seehütte (see attached map). The same trail leads back to the mountain station.
Parking Parking spaces are available at the valley station of the Rax cable car.
Getting there From Vienna, take the A2 Südautobahn to the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Take the B27 towards Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang. From Graz, take the S6 Semmering expressway and exit at Gloggnitz. Take the B27 towards Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.
Public transport Travel by train to Payerbach-Reichenau station. From there, take bus line 341 to the “Hirschwang an der Rax/Rax-Seilbahn” stop. Alternatively, you can book an individual trip with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which will take you to the cable car.RUFbus stops along the way:PB6 Bahnhof PayerbachRE26 Rax-SeilbahnMore information: www.oebb.at and www.vor.atTip:Book your train and cable car tickets together with the ÖBB-Plus Ticket.
Editor’s tip Stop for refreshments at the Ottohaus or Raxalm Berggasthof (check the opening hours of the huts in advance)Enjoy the view of the Schwarzatal valley from the Ottohaus viewpoint

Recommended period

Current weather in Kleinau

4° to 12°

Today, 07.03.2026

Mainly clear

Wind speed2,3 km/h

4° to 12°

Tomorrow, 08.03.2026

Cloudy

Wind speed3,4 km/h

Snowshoe rental:

Snowshoes and touring poles can be rented at the Raxalm Berggasthof near the mountain station. Please reserve in advance.

Refreshment stops and bases:

Raxalm-Berggasthof: Tel. 02666/52450

Please check the current opening hours of the huts in advance, as these may vary in winter.

Further information:

Rax cable car

Dr. Ewald, Bing-Straße 3

2651 Reichenau an der Rax

Tel. 02666/52497

www.raxalpe.com

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

Letzte Änderung: 25 Feb 2026