From Alm (Schwaig) to Schwaig am Wechsel
Mönichkirchen and St. Corona am Wechsel are not far from Vienna and offer enjoyment, relaxation and adventure.
If the pastures and mountain huts suddenly are suddenly called Schwaigen and local hosts serve hot and hearty food, then you have arrived in Wechselland.
St. Corona am Wechsel: Family fun
On the Kampstein, at 1,318m above sea level, you will find one of our favourite destinations: the hut Herrgottschnitzer-Franz- Kaupe-Hütte, where you can also have a great night’s sleep. The promising and family-friendly ascent takes just under 2 hours. Here you cross the family-friendly adventure trail to Kampstein, the “Familien Erlebnisweg Kampstein” and the ant-themed trail, the Coronas Ameisenpfad, which is popular with children due to its 15 interactive stations.
Those who go the right way will reach the reservoir, where a “Relaxation Realm” with sun loungers and benches awaits hardworking hikers. We spent 2 nights in the valley, and our hosts were particularly child-friendly. At the Gästehaus Apschner guesthouse, the large flower garden, with a great view of Schneeberg, is the perfect place to relax. Our tip: Let the Apschner family put a customised hiking route together for you. We also like the Ofnerhof. Incidentally, it is right next to the new summer toboggan run, the Corona Coaster. And here’s another secret (sssssh!)... Be sure to visit Lower Austria's biggest stalactite cave, the Hermannshöhle, in Kirchberg am Wechsel. 8 different species of bat live here. This natural monument, which is more than 4 kilometres long, and extends over several floors, is home 8 different species of bats. (It is only possible to visit the cave with a German or English-language tour. English-language tours are also available on request).
Mönichkirchen: Variety in Wechsel
Mönichkirchen, which is just a 20 minute drive from St. Corona, offers many good reasons for a visit. For example, a hike to the hut Wetterkoglerhaus, which leads past enchanting Schwaigen (remember, this is what pastures and mountain huts are called in Wechselland), and takes 2 hours. Once there, we don’t know what is better: the delicious food or the stunning 360° view over the Semmering, Rax and Schneeberg mountains and part of Slovenia. And because many do not want to go any further, it is also possible to stay overnight at 1,743m above sea level. For a more action-packed day, take the 4-seater chair lift to the summit station, Sonnenbahn, where the Roller and Mountaincart track awaits.
From here you can also hike along the 3km-long Schaukelweg, which is equipped with 13 fun swings. From swings and see-saws, to milk jug bowling, and hammock pegs, you can experience something new every step of the way, until you reach the great Almschaukel viewing platform, which offers a wonderful view over Schwaigen.
You will also find the largest climbing park in the Vienna Alps in Mönichkirchen. The Hamari Kletterpark offers various trails through the forest. For us, the highlight was the three zip-wires, each of which was over 550m long. The, Wasserpark mit Salaërium, water park, which is part of the “Life in water” themed trail (Themenweg “Lebenswasser”). This leads past habitats and wetlands, and allows visitors to walk along the pebbly paths. It also offers several attractions, as well as stimulating Kneipp pools. We also have two tips for overnight stays in Mönichkirchen: the family-friendly guesthouse, Alpengasthof Enzian at 1,200m above sea level, with an adventure playground, swimming lake, and great cuisine; or the centrally-located Hotel Thier with a splendid spa area.
