The Ötscher
At 1,893 metres the Ötscher is the highest mountain in the Mostviertel and the region's landmark, visible from far and wide – a rewarding goal for summit hikers, ski tourers and anyone seeking the far-reaching view.
The landmark of the Mostviertel
The Ötscher is a mighty, far-dominating mountain massif in the south-west of Lower Austria – the highest point of the Mostviertel and visible from a distance. At its foot the Erlauf has carved the famous Ötschergräben over thousands of years; the summit itself is a popular hiking and touring goal.
To the summit — the routes
The easier option
Those who prefer to take it easy use the chairlift from Lackenhof and reach the 1,893-metre summit via the broad West-Buckel ridge. From the mountain station the walking time is around 1.5 hours – a good route for less experienced mountain walkers too.
The Rauher Kamm — for the experienced only
Considerably more demanding is the ascent via the Rauher Kamm, an exposed ridge. This tour requires a sure foot and a head for heights and should only be attempted in good condition and settled weather. The reward is a magnificent view down into the Mostviertel.
Winter: skiing & ski tours in Lackenhof
Lackenhof am Ötscher is home to the best-known ski area in the Ötscherland. A chairlift leads to the Ötscherschutzhaus at 1,410 metres – a popular base for skiers and a classic starting point for ski tours on the Ötscher.
Ötscher or Ötschergräben?
A quick word of orientation: the Ötscher is the mountain (this article). The Ötschergräben are the deep gorge at the foot of the massif – the "Grand Canyon of Lower Austria" with waterfalls and one of the finest valley walks in the region. Both can be explored superbly from Mariazell.
Frequently asked questions about the Ötscher
How high is the Ötscher?
The Ötscher is 1,893 metres high, making it the highest mountain in the Mostviertel and the region's landmark.
How do you get to the summit of the Ötscher?
Most easily by the chairlift from Lackenhof and then via the broad West-Buckel ridge – around 1.5 hours' walking time from the mountain station. More demanding is the ascent via the exposed Rauher Kamm, which requires a sure foot and a head for heights.
Can you go ski touring on the Ötscher?
Yes. Lackenhof am Ötscher is the best-known ski area in the Ötscherland; a chairlift leads to the Ötscherschutzhaus at 1,410 m, a popular starting point for ski tours.
What is the difference between the Ötscher and the Ötschergräben?
The Ötscher is the mountain (1,893 m). The Ötschergräben are the deep gorge of the Erlauf at the foot of the massif, known as the "Grand Canyon of Lower Austria" – a popular valley walk with waterfalls.
More around Mariazell
Experience the mountains, stay central.
Eight individual apartments in the heart of Mariazell – the perfect base for tours on the Ötscher and in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. Book directly, city tax included.
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