Snowshoe hike from Preiner Gscheid to Waxriegelhaus

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2,93 km
Ascent: 283 m elevation gain

Snowshoe hike from Preiner Gscheid via the forest road to the Waxriegelhaus

Starting point of the tour: Preiner Gscheid, Edelweißhütte
Tour destination: Waxriegelhaus

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2,93 km
Ascent: 283 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6

Lowest point1075 m
Highest point1358 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus
Suitable for families and children

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Description

At the foot of the Rax is the year-round open Waxriegelhaus at 1361 meters above sea level. The hut is located in a quiet, traffic-free and natural environment with forest and pasture. This pleasant atmosphere can already be enjoyed during the ascent from Preiner Gscheid. After just a few meters, you are surrounded by the peace of the forest and reach the Waxriegelhaus in about one hour. Here, hikers can strengthen themselves with the house-special Waxriegel beer and various culinary delights, such as specialties from Styria beef.

safety instructions Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely enjoyable and safe experience.Please observe the following:Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your mountain experience and your fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. Weather in the mountains can change unexpectedly fast. Therefore, always head out well equipped (sturdy footwear, winter hiking gear). Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and your planned return before you start. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Do not litter and dispose of waste properly.Note: this winter hiking trail may not be fully cleared in case of snow and can have slippery spots. Use at your own risk! Also consider that winter markings may be invisible under snow and prepare well for your hike! Pay attention to early dusk and plan tours carefully.Mountain rescue: 140EU emergency number: 112Tours on the high plateau are not recommended in fog and strong winds.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear shoes appropriate for the route, take sun and rain protection as well as water and a small snack. Take your mobile phone and save the emergency number of the mountain rescue: 140
Route description We start from the Edelweißhütte via the forest road to the Siebenbrunnerwiese. Then keep right and hike to the Waxriegelhaus.
Parking Paid parking lot available at Preiner Gscheid.
Getting there From Vienna, take the A2 South Motorway onto the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 to Reichenau an der Rax, there take the third exit at the roundabout (Wartholzstraße). Turn left onto Edlach, slightly left onto Dörfl, continue on L135, continue on Prein an der Rax/L135, continue on Preinrotte, slightly right onto Prein an der Rax, continue onto Preiner Gscheid Street up to the mountain pass. From Graz, take the S35 to the S6 Semmering expressway and take the Mürzzuschlag-West exit. Continue on B23. Take the first exit at the roundabout to stay on B23. Turn right onto Hauptstraße, continue on Stojenstraße. Continue on Preiner Gscheid Street up to the mountain pass.
Public transport Travel by train to Payerbach-Reichenau station. In winter, no scheduled bus runs to Preiner Gscheid. Alternatively, you can book an individual trip with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which takes you to the cable car.RUFbus stops along the way:PB6 Payerbach stationRE26 Rax cable carMore info: www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Travel by public transport with the train to Payerbach-Reichenau station and further by RUFbusto Preiner Gscheid

Recommended period

Current weather in Prein an der Rax

4° to 5°

Today, 10.03.2026

Partly cloudy

Wind speed2,0 km/h

3° to 10°

Tomorrow, 11.03.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed2,0 km/h

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

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

Letzte Änderung: 25 Feb 2026