Handlesberg

The 1,370 meter high Handlesberg is one of the main mountains of the Gutenstein Alps and is - after the Reisalpe - their second highest peak. It is located not far from Schwarzau im Gebirge (Neunkirchen) and is therefore considered the most southwesterly mountain peak.

Heavily forested, Handlesberg features steep slopes and narrow ridges as well as small high plateaus. Three marked routes lead to its summit. Its visitors are welcomed by a small summit cross - and rewarded with a magnificent Ötscher view. By the way: In contrast to its much visited neighbor, the Schneeberg, the Handlesberg is still considered a rather quiet - and in the truest sense not overcrowded - excursion destination.

Location
Gutenstein Alps, near Schwarzau im Gebirge

Accessibility for hikers

• Most often, the hike to the Handlesberg starts at the village center of Schwarzau. The tour over the southwestern flank of the Falkenstein and further over the southern side of the Freudentaler Wall to the summit takes a good 2 hours.
• The hike from Rotte Vois takes about 3 hours: It leads across the Steinbach valley and up to the summit of the Kleiner Wildföhrenstein, before crossing the summit plateau and meadows to the top of the Handlesberg.
• No refreshment stop along the way

Good to know: The Handlesberg owes its name to a former occurrence of black grouse - and the diminutive form of "cock".