Winter and snowshoe hiking on the Rax is one of the favourite activities in the region.
Description
We go up to the plateau on the Rax cableway, the oldest cable railway in Austria, which started operation in 1926. Once you arrive at the top, you are met by snow-covered alpine meadows, fantastic views and healthy, cold mountain air. The Ottohaus is the first lodge you reach after the mountain station. But before that you can enjoy the unique views of the Schneeberg. The next station, New Lakeside Huts, owes its name to a small lake that disappeared shortly after the First World War.
Starting point of the tour
Rax cableway mountain station
Destination point of the tour
Rax cableway mountain station
Route description Plateau tour on the Rax
The tour starts from the valley station of Rax cableway. A few minutes on the cableway takes us up to the mountain station 1,547 m above sea level. From Rax cableway mountain station we follow the signs to Gatterlkreuz and carry on until we reach the Ottohaus. We then follow the lake path as far as the New Lakeside Huts. After taking refreshment, we follow the same route back to the mountain station.
Directions
A2 to the Seebenstein intersection - S6 to Gloggnitz - B27 to Hirschwang an der Rax, Rax cableway valley station (at the end of Hirschwang village)
Parking
Parking is available at the valley station of Rax cableway.
Take the Southern Railway to Payerbach-Reichenau. Buses run at regular intervals between Payerbach-Reichenau station and Rax cableway valley station.
For further information: www.vor.at.
More info/links
Bases:
Rax cableway mountain station: Tel. 02666/52450 Open daily even in winter
Ottohaus: Tel. 02666/52402 Open in winter in good weather at weekends and on public holidays (catering only)
New Lakeside Huts: Tel. 0676/7488719 Open in winter in good weather at weekends and on public holidays (no overnight accommodation at any time of year)
For further information: Reichenau Tourist Office Tel. 02666/52865 www.reichenau.at
Wiener Alpen in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960
Equipment
You must be suitably equipped for the time of year (snowshoes, warm winter clothing and footwear suitable for mountain conditions). Take a hiking map and your mobile phone with you and store the emergency number for Mountain Rescue: 140
Safety information
ATTENTION: There is a risk of avalanches!
http://www.lawinenwarndienst-niederoesterreich.at/
Pay attention to the weather conditions and only set out in good, settled weather and good visibility. You must have snowshoes and hiking equipment suitable for mountain conditions! Tours on the high plateau are not recommended in fog or high winds. Contact Rax cableway or the Tourist Office to check the prevailing weather conditions.
When choosing the route, make sure it is suitable for your level of fitness and experience. Consult the weather forecast in advance. The weather can change with surprising rapidity in the mountains. So always make sure you are suitably equipped before setting out.
Check whether the huts and snack stations you intend to visit en route are open. Before setting out, tell somebody what route you are taking and when you expect to return.
Mountain rescue emergency number: 140
EU emergency service: 122
For information about avalanches: lawinenwarndienst-niederösterreich.at
Author's tip
Combine your hike with an overnight stay in Raxalpen Berggasthof right next to Rax cableway mountain station!
