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Hiking Trail
· Vienna Alps
Schwaigen circular route on the Hochwechsel
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On the road on the HochwechselPhoto: Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich
The Schwaigen hike on the Wechsel leads from one Schwaig to the next. You take the mountain road from Kirchberg am Wechsel to the starting point on the Steyersberger Schwaig. The highlight of the hike is the summit of the Hochwechsel, which offers a breathtaking view of the landscape at the foot of the mountain. You hike back to the starting point via the Marienseer and Kranichberger Schwaig. Many great impressions await you along the way!
Author’s recommendation
Opening hours Schwaigen:
- Wetterkoglerhaus at Hochwechsel: May to end of October
- Steyersberger Schwaig: year-round
- Marienseer Schwaig (Halter hut): from end of May to mid-September
- Kranichberger Schwaig (Halter hut): May to September
- Feistritzer Schwaig: mid-May to September, weekends until 26 October
Don't forget to take the Wiener Alpen Viewer in a handy pocket format on the route!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Steyersberger SchwaigMarienseer Schwaig
Feistritzer Schwaig
Kranichberger Schwaig
Safety information
Your hikes in the Wiener Alpen should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience. Please therefore observe the following:
Preparation
Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. Weather in the mountains can change surprisingly quickly. Always start out equipped accordingly (e.g. rain protection).
Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit en route are open. Inform someone about the choice of route and your planned return before setting off.
Further safety tips for your hike can be found here.
Tips and suggestions
Responsible for the content of this tour
Vienna Alps in Lower Austria
Last update: 23.11.2025
Roadbook
The starting point of the route is the Steyersberger Schwaig, in the municipality of Kirchberg am Wechsel. This starting point is best reached by car. From there we hike south over the Kranichberger Schwaig. It continues over the intermediate summit at Umschussriegel. Soon afterwards the highlight of the hike awaits us – the Hochwechsel summit. From May to mid-November, the Wetterkoglerhaus is also operated and welcomes guests.
From the summit, the route continues over the Marienseer Schwaig and on an alternative path back to the Kranichberger Schwaig, before the next beautiful viewpoint at the Arabichl summit awaits us. Finally, after almost five hours of circular hiking, we end again at our starting point.
Hochwechsel in the Wechsel Mountains
Hochwechsel Summit
HWW station Hochwechsel/Wetterkoglerhaus
Hochwechsel
Wetterkogler-Haus
Mönichkirchner Schwaig
Steyersberger Schwaig
Marienseer Schwaig
Feistritzer Schwaig
Kranichberger Schwaig
Public transport
You can reach Kirchberg am Wechsel by train and bus. From there it is about 20 minutes by car to the Schwaig - Taxi Mayerhofer (02641 82 07).
More information at www.vor.at and www.oebb.at
Directions
Coming from the north or south, the fastest access is via the A2.
Parking
Parking is available in Kirchberg, and a large parking lot at the Steyersberger Schwaig
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, take sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone and save the emergency number of the mountain rescue: 140
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions