Schwaigen circular route on the Hochwechsel

©Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 17,46 km
Duration: 5:24 h
Ascent: 701 m elevation gain
Descent: 701 m elevation gain

Explore the Schwaigen am Wechsel and the Hochwechsel summit on scenic hiking trails!

Starting point of the tour: Steyersberger Schwaig
Tour destination: Steyersberger Schwaig

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 17,46 km
Duration: 5:24 h
Ascent: 701 m elevation gain
Descent: 701 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point1356 m
Highest point1742 m

Round tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Suitable for families and children
Summit tour

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Description

The Schwaigen hike on the Wechsel leads from one Schwaig to the next. You take the mountain road from Kirchberg am Wechsel to the starting point on the Steyersberger Schwaig. The highlight of the hike is the summit of the Hochwechsel, which offers a breathtaking view of the landscape at the foot of the mountain. You hike back to the starting point via the Marienseer and Kranichberger Schwaig. Many great impressions await you along the way!

safety instructions Your hikes in the Wiener Alpen should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience. Please therefore observe the following: PreparationMake sure when choosing the route that it matches your experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. Weather in the mountains can change surprisingly quickly. Always start out equipped accordingly (e.g. rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit en route are open. Inform someone about the choice of route and your planned return before setting off.Further safety tips for your hike can be found here.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, take sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone and save the emergency number of the mountain rescue: 140
Route description The starting point of the route is the Steyersberger Schwaig, in the municipality of Kirchberg am Wechsel. This starting point is best reached by car. From there we hike south over the Kranichberger Schwaig. It continues over the intermediate summit at Umschussriegel. Soon afterwards the highlight of the hike awaits us – the Hochwechsel summit. From May to mid-November, the Wetterkoglerhaus is also operated and welcomes guests.From the summit, the route continues over the Marienseer Schwaig and on an alternative path back to the Kranichberger Schwaig, before the next beautiful viewpoint at the Arabichl summit awaits us. Finally, after almost five hours of circular hiking, we end again at our starting point.
Parking Parking is available in Kirchberg, and a large parking lot at the Steyersberger SchwaigMore detailed information.
Getting there Coming from the north or south, the fastest access is via the A2.More detailed information.
Public transport You can reach Kirchberg am Wechsel by train and bus. From there it is about 20 minutes by car to the Schwaig - Taxi Mayerhofer (02641 82 07).More information at www.vor.at and www.oebb.at
Editor’s tip Opening hours Schwaigen:Wetterkoglerhaus at Hochwechsel: May to end of OctoberSteyersberger Schwaig: year-roundMarienseer Schwaig (Halter hut): from end of May to mid-SeptemberKranichberger Schwaig (Halter hut): May to SeptemberFeistritzer Schwaig: mid-May to September, weekends until 26 OctoberDon't forget to take the Wiener Alpen Viewer in a handy pocket format on the route!

Recommended period

Current weather on site

4° to 13°

Today, 07.03.2026

Clear sky

Wind speed2,2 km/h

3° to 13°

Tomorrow, 08.03.2026

Cloudy

Wind speed2,0 km/h