Description
Right after the start you reach the idyllic Erlaufsee, a natural jewel of the Mostviertel region. Turquoise-green water with a view of the Gemeindealpe - that's motivating!
The route continues out of the valley along the Mariazell railway line, alternating between asphalt and natural paths, over the Josefsberg to the Ötscher base in Wienerbruck. Quietly away from the main road, the route takes you on and off-road to the small mountain village of Annaberg and along a gravel path through the forest to the Walster origin. A longer downhill section leads to the romantically situated Lake Hubertus, where it is worth stopping for a bite to eat at the Wuchtelwirtin.
Good refreshments are also recommended for the subsequent ascent through the Fadental valley on gravel. The climb is not very long, but quite steep sometimes. A short final ascent to Mitterbach and you cycle directly to the imposing basilica of Mariazell.
Pure nature on this tour with plenty of culture at the end.
Starting point of the tour
Mariazell railway station
Destination point of the tour
Mariazell Basilica
Route description Culture in nature
From Mariazell railway station (St. Sebastian), follow the cycle path to the Erlaufsee lake. Turn right there and take the main road to Mitterbach town centre. Continue following the signs for the "Mariazellerbahn route" - the route initially follows the main road B20, which you leave to the left after a few kilometres and cycle away from it on a natural path via Sepplbauer up to Josefsberg (village of the same name).
After the descent, the route turns right shortly before Wienerbruck - but the short detour to the Ötscher base in Wienerbruck, including the Erlauf reservoir, is worthwhile. Continue along the route following the signs for "Annaberg Hubertussee route" and after a short ascent you will reach the small town centre of Annaberg past the JUFA.
About 1km later, turn right off the main road and follow a descending gravel path to the Walster-Origin. Continue as far as Ulreichsberg and you will find yourself in dreamlike natural surroundings on a partly very potholed tarmac road, which reaches its climax when you reach Lake Hubertus. Once almost all the way round the lake, turn left and continue into the Fadental valley where, after a short descent, the last, sometimes quite steep ascent leads through the Schindlgraben and down to Mitterbach.
From there via St. Sebastian directly into the centre of Mariazell with its world-famous pilgrimage church.
