Regional Route P leads from Puchberg through Losenheim to the Edelweißhütte. The Regional Routes are part of the network of paths making up the Viennese Alps (WAB) route. Hikes along these routes lead you to unique views and also insights. The Regional Routes are linked to the network of paths making up the Viennese Alps route. This results in circular hikes in conjunction with the long-distance path.
Description
Heading out from the valley basin in Puchberg, this route heads along the foot of the Schneeberg on a pleasant route until the first ascent to the Edelweißhütte. This route is characterised by the Schneeberg, which is always in view, as well as a rural cultivated landscape until reaching the Edelweißhütte cabin, which is extremely close to the highest summit in the Viennese Alps. Right at the beginning of the stage, there’s a grand view of the Schneeberg from the railway station. When in Losenheim, there’s a second chance to spot the highest mountain in Lower Austria, as well as the castle ruins. The climb to Edelweißhütte can also be done with the chairlift.
Starting point of the tour
Schneeberg railway car park in Puchberg am Schneeberg
Destination point of the tour
Edelweißhütte
Route description WAB - Regional Route P: Puchberg - Edelweißhütte
The comfortable ascent to the Edelweißhütte on Regional Route P starts at Puchberg am Schneeberg railway station, where we walk for a few metres alongside the rails on Wiener Neustädter Straße. The Hotel Schneeberghof, which is a certified hiking hotel, is in front of us and is an ideal place to stay the night before and to start the day with a hearty breakfast before hiking. When on the road we turn northwards, cross the railway tracks, then shortly afterwards turn left into Siebertweg and follow the yellow signs in the direction of Losenheim. The Burgenländischer Mariazellerweg, marked in red, is alongside us for a few kilometres. At the end of Siebertweg we turn into Paradiesweg, then soon head left into Römerweg. Some rest benches have a sign just to the right of the road, guiding us over a meadow. We subsequently head west on quiet paved roads and gravel tracks until Mariazellerweg veers off to the right at a crossroads with a substation. We follow the paved road on the left, which merges into the road to Losenheim a couple of bends later on. In Sonnleiten, we follow the road to the Wasserfallwirt, but leave it soon after a gravel car park to a farmstead on the left over the Sebastianbach stream and follow the yellow markings. The Schneeberg gradually comes closer, and as a result we get on the road to Losenheim once again. The ruins of Losenheim Castle can be seen on the left, which has been reconstructed by a private owner since the 1990s. We reach Losenheim and the Forellenhof hotel, pass through and head uphill along the road until reaching the car park for the Salamander chairlift. The chairlift is an option to make the ascent to the Edelweißhütte much easier. However, we walk uphill to the end of the road and take the path to the Edelweißhütte, which is marked out with signs in yellow. After a few hairpin bends, ascents up pistes, and crossing a meadow, it becomes flatter on a gravel track for a short period. The Edelweißhütte can now be seen on the left, and it is available for rest and accommodation. Regional Route P ends here.
At this point we are now on the Viennese Alps trail and can either continue along it to the Öhlerschutzhaus, or ascend to the Fischerhütte cabin on the Schneeberg. It is also possible to stay at the Edelweißhütte overnight. Regional Route O also starts here.
Directions
If you are coming from Vienna or Graz, take the A2 as far as the exit at Wiener Neustadt West. Take the B26 up to Puchberg am Schneeberg. A road leads to the end of the valley and the chairlift at Losenheim.
Parking
Car parking is available at Puchberg am Schneeberg railway station.
Take the train via Wiener Neustadt to Puchberg am Schneeberg railway station.
More information at www.oebb.at
Author's tip
Combine your hike with a stay in Puchberg. Options include the Hotel Restaurant Forellenhof, Pension Bruckerhof, a Deluxe room at the Hotel Schneeberghof, or the Wellness Kneipp-Kurhotel Wanzenböck. This Regional Route joins Route O into Preintal.