Shortcut Hike to the Summit of the Hochwechsel on the Wexl Trails
Shortcut-Tour zum Gipfel auf den Hochwechsel auf den Wexl Trails
Mountain bike tour Starting from Steyersberger Schwaig
A tour for young and old, with bite but lots of fun. Pride and adventure guaranteed. For enduring kids or ideal as an e-bike tour. On the panoramic trails of the Wexl Trails, this route winds its way up to the highest point of the Wechselgebirge mountains in southern Lower Austria on the border with Styria. High up between Vienna and Graz and not far from the trail park in St. Corona am Wechsel, an ideal addition to a weekend excursion.
- Starting point of the tour
- Steyersberger Schwaig
- Tour destination
- Steyersberger Schwaig
- Fitness level required:2/6
- Overall experience:6/6
- Scenery:6/6
- Lowest point
- 1351 m
- Highest point
- 1716 m
A tour for young and old, with bite but lots of fun. Pride and adventure guaranteed. For enduring kids or ideal as an e-bike tour. On the panoramic trails of the Wexl Trails, this route winds its way up to the highest point of the Wechselgebirge mountains in southern Lower Austria on the border with Styria. High up between Vienna and Graz and not far from the trail park in St. Corona am Wechsel, an ideal addition to a weekend excursion.
The e-bike tour starts at the Steyersberger Schwaig, which offers a worthwhile refreshment stop at the end of the tour. A forest road leads up to the Kranichberger Schwaig and on to the Dreiländer Eck.
Approaching the view over the Bucklige Welt, the tour continues up to the Hochwechsel at 1,743m above sea level. You have to work hard for the last stretch to the summit, as the hilly meadow up to the summit demands a little more strength from your calves. Once the climb is over, the whole family can feel a sense of elation, as the most strenuous part is now behind them. Once at the top, you must enjoy the view as far as Vienna and Budapest during a short break with a snack at the trail entrance or in the
Downhill trails:
After a short break at the highest point of the tour, but not the end of the elevation gain, there is a descent that all members of the family can look forward to. With a constant view and a crisp but super-flowy surface, the highest legal trail in Lower Austria, "The WU"
downhill. After this experience, the kids have definitely earned a buttermilk on the Marienseer Schwaig to let the pleasure of the descent sink in and to fortify themselves for the last few meters and the last short climb. From there, it's a leisurely return via a forest road to the Dreiländer Eck to the starting point at the Steyersberger Schwaig.
It’s important to note the name of the “Randgebirge” (Peripheral Mountains): The name truly lives up to its meaning when it comes to sudden changes in weather. Even if you set out in sunshine and above-freezing temperatures, you’ll often find an icy, cold wind blowing around your nose at the summit. But the opposite can also happen—you might be greeted by sunshine at the summit even though you set out in fog. Therefore, be sure to factor in the weather conditions when planning your hike and pack an extra layer of clothing in your backpack.
A roadworthy, well-maintained mountain bike (hardtail or full-suspension)
Protective gear: helmet (required), knee and elbow pads
Cycling clothing + rain gear (even in nice weather, in case it gets windy or cool on the Hochwechsel)
Spare inner tube & pump
Sunscreen
Tools/multi-tool
Water/drinks
Granola bars/snacks for in between meals
Sturdy Footwear
Rain gear
There is a parking lot at Steyersberger Schwaig
On the A2, take the Aspang exit toward Kirchberg am Wechsel, or on the A2–S6, take the Gloggnitz exit toward Kirchberg am Wechsel
Top Tip for Families: This tour is best tackled with a tow rope for tired kids!
Recommended period
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Open from May 15 to Nov. 1
Book a trail ticket for a day pass online in advance, or purchase one at the ticket office at the Trail Center or at one of the sales locations (see trail map).
Letzte Änderung: 4 Aug 2026