Winter hiking in Payerbach – Tut-Gut Route 1

Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a completely beautiful and safe experience.

Please note the following:

Ensure the chosen route matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather report beforehand. Always start equipped accordingly (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 planned return before you go. Stay on marked paths and avoid shortcuts. Do not litter and dispose of trash properly.

Attention, this winter hiking trail may not be fully cleared in snowy conditions and can have slippery sections. Use at your own risk! Also consider that markings may be invisible under snow in winter, so prepare well. Pay attention to early dusk and plan carefully.

Mountain rescue: 140

EU emergency number: 112

Always take suitable maps with you. Wear winter clothing adapted to the route, sturdy shoes (waterproof, reaching over the ankles), gloves, and a hat. Take sun and rain protection as well as water and a small snack. Don’t forget your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140

The circular route starts at the municipal office or at the pavilion on Dr.-Coumont-Straße and leads towards Reichenau.

From the outdoor pool, continue to the shady park area, where the miniature “Semmeringhäuschen” and a small weather station are located. There is also a playground for children here.

If you stay on Dr.-Coumont-Straße, the path passes historic villas, the mini golf course, and the tennis courts until you reach the Schwarzaviaduct – the longest viaduct of the Semmering Railway World Heritage site. Cross the Schwarza river over the “Ghegasteg” footbridge. In the middle of the bridge, a bench invites you to rest and enjoy the view of the Rax massif as well as downstream views of the Geyerstein and Grillenberg.

After the wooden footbridge, cross the main road. The red and white barrier of the “Vinodukt” is already visible from afar. (Vinotheque and history of the Semmering Railway: guided tours on Fridays or by appointment)

Then turn right into Anton-Weiser-Straße and follow it to the end, where it meets Bahnhofsstraße. Turn right again, pass the Payerbacherhof, cross the pedestrian crossing and the bridge – this leads back to the starting point at the municipal office or pavilion.

Parking spaces are available at the pavilion in the town center, along the B27, and at the park & ride facility at the Payerbach-Reichenau station. It takes about 8 minutes to walk from the Payerbach station to the town center.

From Vienna, take the A2 South Motorway to the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Drive on B27 towards Payerbach/Reichenau. In Payerbach, turn left at the traffic lights.

From Graz, drive on the S6 Semmering Expressway and take the Gloggnitz exit. Follow B27 towards Payerbach/Reichenau. Turn left at the traffic lights in Payerbach.

Travel by train to the Payerbach-Reichenau station. From there, you can start the route or walk about 8 minutes to the starting point at the municipal office.

Alternatively, book an individual ride with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax, which will bring you to the hiking start point.

RUFbus stops along the way:

PB7 Freibad Payerbach

PB2 Vinodukt

PB6 Bahnhof Payerbach

PB5 Payerbacherhof

More info: www.oebb.at and www.vor.at

• Visit the Vinodukt: guided tours about the origin and significance of the Semmering Railway and wines along the south route from Vienna to Trieste (regularly every Friday and by appointment)
• The path is mostly illuminated and therefore also passable at twilight. However, a headlamp or flashlight is advisable for better safety.
• Refreshments at Konditorei Alber or at Payerbacherhof
• Due to the small elevation difference, the path is also suitable for children
• The path is also suitable as a stroller route. (There are a few steps to manage when crossing the Schwarzau via the footbridge)
• This circular route can also be extended via the Sonnenpromenade.