Small Breitenstein round in winter

©Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,55 km
Ascent: 303 m elevation gain
Descent: 303 m elevation gain

Breitenstein station to the Speckbacherhütte and via the Kreuzberg and the Sommerhöhe back to the starting point

Starting point of the tour: Breitenstein train station
Tour destination: Breitenstein train station

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6,55 km
Ascent: 303 m elevation gain
Descent: 303 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
3/6
Scenery:
3/6

Lowest point774 m
Highest point1097 m

Round tour
Nice views
Accessibility by train and bus
Suitable for families and children

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Description

The short Breitenstein loop starts directly at Breitenstein train station. Via the Postlersteig, the path that letter carriers used to take as a shortcut through the village, the hike leads to the sunny side of the Kreuzberg to the Speckbacher huts with wonderful views of the surrounding area. After a rest and refreshments, the route takes you over the summit of the Kreuzberg at an altitude of 1084 meters and along forest roads back down to Breitenstein. Those who appreciate impressive views can take worthwhile detours to striking vantage points along the way: to theWeinzettlwandwith the Breitensteinblick and the Semmeringblick. (Surefootedness required!)

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience. Please note the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. Weather in the mountains can change quickly and unexpectedly. Always start properly equipped (sturdy footwear, winter-proof hiking gear). Verify that the huts and snack stations you want to visit are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and planned return before you start. Always stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Do not litter and dispose of trash properly.Attention, this winter hike may not be fully cleared in snowy conditions and can have slippery spots. Use is at your own risk! Also, be aware that markings can be invisible under snow in winter, so prepare well for your hike! Pay attention to early dusk and plan your tours carefully.Mountain Rescue: 140EU Emergency Number: 112
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes suited to the route, bring sun and rain protection, as well as water and a small snack. Take your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Route description The hike starts at the Breitenstein train station. From there, follow the signs uphill towards the Speckbacherhütte along the road. At the first intersection, turn left and follow the white-blue trail marking. The path initially runs along a road until a forest path branches off to the right. Follow this uphill and remain on the blue-marked route. The path passes by a meadow – looking back, you get an impressive panorama of the historic Südbahnhotel at Semmering. Then it goes again for a bit through the forest until the path passes by a pasture.At the next junction, follow the signs towards the Speckbacherhütte and now the red marking. You will pass this junction again later on the way back. The trail continues directly to the Speckbacherhütte. Along the way, there is a magnificent view of the entire Rax massif.The return route initially follows the same path back to the already known junction. From there, follow the signs towards Kreuzberg / Gasthaus Polleres, Althammerhof –marked in red. The route continues over a wide hiking trail that transitions into a gravel road at the Sommerhöhe.At the point where a forest path branches off to the right towards Breitenstein train station, stay on the forest road. As soon as the road is paved again, follow the signs towards Breitenstein train station and descend along the upper Bahnstraße. There, a path branches off to the right through Lindenstraße towards the train station. At the end of Lindenstraße is the municipal office, with the train station located directly above it.
Parking Parking spaces are available at Breitenstein train station.
Getting there Coming from Vienna, take the S6 to the Gloggnitz exit. Then follow the state road to Schottwien. In Schottwien, turn at the intersection towards Breitenstein. Then follow the road into the Adlitzgraben to Breitenstein.From Graz: take S35 and S6 to exit Spital/S. Turn towards Semmering and follow the road to Breitenstein.
Public transport Travel by train to Breitenstein train station, which is also the hiking start point. Alternatively, book a private ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which takes you to Breitenstein.RUFbus stops along the way:Breitenstein train station (95)Breitenstein municipal office (96)Speckbacherhütte (98)More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at.
Editor’s tip Stop at the Speckbacherhütte with a playground (closed from January to March)Detour to the Weinzettelwand and the viewpoints Breitensteinblick and Semmeringblick (surefootedness required)Photo exhibition at Breitenstein train station

Recommended period

Current weather in Breitenstein

3° to 8°

Today, 07.03.2026

Clear sky

Wind speed2,5 km/h

3° to 7°

Tomorrow, 08.03.2026

Cloudy

Wind speed3,9 km/h

Hiking map of the Breitenstein municipality, +43 (0) 2664 2143

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

Tourism association Semmering-Rax-Schneeberg, +43 660 900 88 22

Always check the hut opening times in advance.

Letzte Änderung: 25 Feb 2026