Drought wall

The Dürre Wand is a mountain ridge of the Gutenstein Alps. It stretches from Miesenbach to the Schneeberg. The Dürre Wand is surrounded by alpine pastures, forests and waterfalls. The Austrian Long Distance Hiking Trail 01 runs over the ridge, offering some scenic sections.

Location: Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, Gutenstein Alps, Miesenbach

Mountains, refuges and hiking trails on the Dürren Wand

The ridge of the Dürren Wand from NE to WSW.

• At the beginning of the ridge is the Martersberg (918 m). There is no marked trail leading up to it, but the long-distance hiking trail crosses its southern flank.
• With its rocky northern edge, the Plattenstein (1,154 m) is one of the most prominent points of the entire ridge. From the summit cross there is an unobstructed view into the valley as well as to the Schneeberg. Very close to the Plattenstein is the Gauermannhütte, here hikers can fortify themselves. Tour from Miesenbach to the Gauermannhütte near the Plattenstein. (Duration approx. 2:20h)
• The Katharinenschlag at 1,222 meters is the highest point on the south-facing flatter ridge. It is usually visited as part of a traverse of the ridge. The marked trail passes just south of the summit.
• A good vantage point is the Öhlerschutzhaus (1,027m) below the summit of the Öhler at 1,183 meters above sea level. From the north from Brandstätterhof in about 1.5h to reach. From the south from Puchberg am Schneeberg via Haltberg about 2 hours. The Öhlerschutzhaus is the starting point for the WAB stage 16 to Pernitz. (duration approx. 5h)
• Short rocky sections lie on the further way along the ridge to the Schober at 1,213 meters, the westernmost peak on the ridge. The forested summit offers a cross, but without a view. A nice hike away from the tourist crowds to the Schober is the hike Kaiserebenwiese - Öhler - Schober. (duration approx. 5:30h)

Caves on the ridge

Directly on the ridge of the Dürren Wand are two caves. The Tablerhöhle to the east of the Plattenstein and the Erzloch to the east of the Öhlerschutzhaus. On the hike WAB stage 16 Öhler Schutzhaus-Pernitz both caves cross the path. A total of 104 caves are recorded for the Dürre Wand area.

Tips around the Dürre Wand

• The two castle ruins Losenheim and Puchberg in Puchberg am Schneeberg can be visited by appointment.
• In the middle of the mountains lies the outdoor pool Puchberg am Schneeberg and offers swimming fun with a beautiful panoramic view of the Schneeberg.
• In just a few minutes from 870 to 1,210 meters above sea level: the Schneeberg chairlift is the most comfortable and fastest connection from the valley to the mountain. This saddle is the starting point for countless hikes with great views.
• A leisurely train ride from Puchberg up to the Schneeberg: The iconic Schneeberg cable car winds its way through the landscape of blooming alpine meadows and fragrant coniferous forests. This is how it takes its guests, young and old, up to the highest mountain in Lower Austria - safely, comfortably and in just 40 minutes.