Hiking tour Starting from Hirschwang an der Rax, valley station Rax cable car
The Rax-Ausblicke tour is ideal for enjoying the views from the mountain down into the valley.
The Rax-Ausblicke tour is ideal for enjoying the views from the mountain down into the valley.
The Rax Areal Ropeway, the oldest cable car in Austria, which started operating in 1926, takes you up the mountain. The Höllental view offers a breathtaking view of the Große Höllental. A special feature of the Ottohaus is a 4000m² alpine garden with around 200 alpine plants typical of the region. From the viewing platform behind the Ottohaus, you have a great view of the Schwarzatal valley. This popular Rax hiking trail is also suitable for families due to its shorter distance. However, you should be in good physical condition!
Good preparation
In fog and strong wind, hikes on the high plateau are not recommended!
Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, bring sun and rain protection, as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
The starting point is the Rax cable car. In just 8 minutes, you reach the mountain station at 1,547 m above sea level. Follow the red marking to the Gatterlkreuz and continue to the Praterstern. There, turn off and follow the path to the Höllental viewpoint. Return the same way to the Praterstern and from there just a few meters to the Ottohaus. Right behind the Ottohaus is the next viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view into the distance over the Schwarzatal. Then return the same way back to the mountain station.
Ample parking is available at the valley station of the Rax cable car. Parking is free of charge.
From Vienna, drive via the A2 South Motorway onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.
From Graz, drive via the S35 or A2 onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax and continue to Hirschwang.
Take the Southern Railway to Payerbach-Reichenau. Between the Payerbach-Reichenau station and the Rax cable car, regional bus 341 (VOR AnachB route planner) runs, or you can individually book the Semmering-Rax RUF bus.
RUF bus stops:
Payerbach-Reichenau station (35)
Rax cable car (12)
Rax cable car mountain inn, +43/2666/52450
Ottohaus, +43/2666/52402
hut opening hours
More info:
Wiener Alpen in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960
Tourism office Reichenau, www.reichenau.at, +43 / 2666 / 52865
Raxalpe, www.raxalpe.com, +43 / 2666 / 52497
Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026