Ötschergräben
Lower Austria's “Grand Canyon": a deep gorge with thundering waterfalls, white water and rugged rock faces. One of the finest hikes in the region – ideal in combination with the Mariazellerbahn.
Lower Austria's “Grand Canyon"
The Ötschergräben are a natural spectacle in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, not far from Mariazell. Over thousands of years the river Erlauf has carved deep into the rock to create a dramatic gorge – with waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, white-water stretches and high rock faces. Little wonder that the Ötschergräben are regarded as Lower Austria's “Grand Canyon".
The classic hike
The most popular starting point is the Ötscher-Basis in Wienerbruck, where there is parking, information about the nature park and places to stop for a bite. From there the trail leads:
- from the Ötschergraben entrance past the romantic Lassingfall waterfall
- across the Stierwaschboden with the Wienerbruck show power station
- upstream through the impressive gorge to the Ötscherhias refreshment stop
The classic loop (Wienerbruck – Ötscherhias – Erlaufklause) is around 8 km long and takes about 2 hours 45 minutes of actual walking time. If you want more, you can extend it via Vorderötscher to around 17.5 km and about 6 hours. The path is partly narrow and rocky, with short tunnel passages – sturdy footwear and sure-footedness are recommended.
Where to stop along the way
The time-honoured Ötscherhias refreshment stop (since 1933) sits in the middle of the gorge and is open daily during the summer half-year (May to October) – the perfect place to rest for a hearty snack.
Getting there & back from Mariazell
You can reach the Ötschergräben from Mariazell easily by car or – particularly appealing – by the Mariazellerbahn: the railway stops right at the access points at Wienerbruck and Erlaufklause. This lets you plan the hike as a one-way tour and take the train back at your leisure, without having to return to your car.
From our apartments in Mariazell you set off well rested in the morning for a day's walking and return in the evening to your home in the town centre – restaurants and cafés for a well-earned refreshment are within walking distance.
Impressions of the Ötschergräben
Frequently asked questions about the Ötschergräben
How long does the hike through the Ötschergräben take?
The classic loop from Wienerbruck (Lassingfall – Ötscherhias – Erlaufklause) is around 8 km long and takes about 2 hours 45 minutes of actual walking time. The long variant via Vorderötscher comes to around 17.5 km and about 6 hours.
Where does the Ötschergräben hike start?
The best starting point is the Ötscher-Basis in Wienerbruck, with parking, nature-park information and refreshments. From there the route heads towards the Lassingfall and through the gorge.
Can you get there by the Mariazellerbahn?
Yes. The Mariazellerbahn stops right at the access points at Wienerbruck and Erlaufklause. Ideal for doing the tour as a one-way hike and taking the train back in comfort.
When is the best time for the Ötschergräben?
The best time is from May to October – that is also when the Ötscherhias refreshment stop is open. Sturdy footwear and sure-footedness are recommended, as the path is partly narrow and rocky.
More around Mariazell
Go hiking, come home to comfort.
Eight individual apartments in the heart of Mariazell – the perfect base for tours into the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. Book directly, city tax included.
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