Rax Views route

Good preparation

• For hiking routes, careful planning is essential – the route must be well planned, and the weather conditions must be checked before starting each hike.
• For good surefootedness, the right footwear must be chosen, and the pace adapted to health conditions. Sufficient time must be allowed for the route with regular breaks taken. Enough drinking water and a snack should be packed in the hiking backpack.
• Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts, which minimizes the risk of getting lost, falls, and rockfall.
• During family hikes, the responsibility for children always lies with the adults. The playful discovery of the landscape must be done with great consideration for the safety of the children.
• Respect for the environment and the beauty of nature with its flora and fauna must be maintained. Please do not leave any litter in the landscape but carry everything back home for proper disposal.

8 basic rules on the mountain

In fog and strong wind, hikes on the high plateau are not recommended!

Always bring appropriate hiking maps. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for the hike, and bring sun and rain protection, as well as water and a light snack. Bring your cell phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140

The starting point is the Rax Cable Car. In just 8 minutes, you’ll reach the summit station at 1,547 meters above sea level. Follow the red trail markers to the Gatterlkreuz and continue on to the Praterstern. There, turn right and follow the trail to the Höllental viewpoint, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the climbing area, the Große Höllental. Take the same trail back to Praterstern; from there, it’s only a few meters to the Ottohaus. Just behind the Ottohaus is the next viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view into the distance across the Schwarzatal valley. Then head through the alpine garden below the Ottohaus, back to the main trail, and follow the same path back to the summit 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)

• During the route, you can refresh yourself at the Ottohaus or afterwards at the Raxalm mountain inn.
• Extend the route on the Rax: hut hopping