Power place gorges Ötschergräben and Erlauf reservoir

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 10,8 km

Time 3:40 h

Uphill 427 hm

Downhill 422 hm

Highest point 833 m

We hike through the largest nature park in Lower Austria. The Ötschergräben with wild gorges, bizarre rock formations and waterfalls should not be missed on any visit!

The Ötschergräben are among the top 5 power places in the region Mariazeller Land: Treat yourself to your personal time-out with a cozy picnic at the power places of Mariazeller Land. Power places have a striking, unique appearance and possess a special energy.

Rugged cliffs, thundering waterfalls, unique nature - this is how one of the most exciting landscapes in Austria presents itself.

Hiking experience of a special kind: the "Grand Canyon" of Austria - the Ötschergräben await you with impressive scenery and waterfalls.

Best season

January

February

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December

More information

how to get to Wienerbruck
Directly at the train station in Mitterbach or at the Ötscherbasis in Wienerbruck

We start in Wienerbruck (arrival: ride with the Mariazellerbahn from St. Sebastian to Wienerbruck) and walk a short distance along the reservoir, then turn left into the gorge and come over footbridges and footpaths, past the waterfall Lassingfall, down to the power station in Stierwaschboden. There we keep to the left, cross the bridge and hike first along the river Erlauf and then along the river Ötscherbach stream through an enchanting landscape with numerous pools, cascades and rock formations to the Ötscherhias snack station.

From the Ötscherhias we walk up through the forest and along the forest road to the Hagengut. We then branch off to the right to the southern shore of the Erlaufklause reservoir and walk along a shady forest promenade to Mitterbach. It is then about 10 min. to the train station, from where we can take the Mariazellerbahn train back to our starting point in Wienerbruck.

Refreshment stops:

Ötscherhias snack station, Tel.: +43 664 27 59 888

Ötscher-Basis, Wienerbruck, Tel.: +43 2728 21100

Erlaufstauseeschänke (stack house), Tel.: +43 664 932 22 67

Surefootedness required, caution is requested in bad weather and rain - danger of slipping!

Emergency call mountain rescue: 140

Tip to report an emergency - give answers to the six W-questions: What happened? How many injured? Where did the accident happen (possibly GPS coordinates)? Who is reporting (callback number)? When did the accident happen? Weather at the accident site?

Safety tips for a carefree hiking trip with dog can be found here

Sturdy shoes are needed!

Proper backpacking makes many things easier: Pack heavy things first. The water bottle should always be within easy reach in a side pocket. All things that are often needed such as sunglasses, camera or hiking map belong on top. An emergency kit including blister plaster belongs in every backpack and a clothing according to the "onion system" is always recommended!

Discover gorges and waterfalls as you only know them in the Grand Canyon. The hike through the Ötschergräben can best be combined with a ride on the Mariazellerbahn.

Don't forget your camera! :-)

By train from St. Sebastian to Wienerbruck

>> Here you can get the timetable information of the train Mariazellerbahn

Tourist office Hochsteiermark - Mariazeller Land

Hauptplatz 13, 8630 MariazellT: +43 3882 2366tourismus@hochsteiermark.at www.hochsteiermark.at

Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer

www.mariazellerbahn.at

www.mitterbach.at

The folder "Top 5 Kraftplätze" as well as a hiking map are available free of charge at the tourist office Mariazeller Land!