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View of the Preinerwand from the GretchensteigPhoto: Gaetano Scalfidi, Alpenverein Austria
A long but beautiful nature route across the Rax plateau and a very varied route, consisting of steep, natural paths and easy climbing sections.
I had long planned to cross the Rax massif, and I finally managed it by choosing less frequented paths for both the ascent and descent.
Start and end points are Preiner Gscheid and the Weichtalhaus in the Höllental, both accessible by public transport.
The only question was the direction of the route: Should I start from Preiner Gscheid (less elevation gain but more kilometers and a pretty steep descent) or from Weichtalhaus (longer ascent and more elevation gain)?
I decided to start from Preiner Gscheid and would not do it again. First, because the Rudolfsteig has an elevation difference of 1100 meters with many steps and the descent is a strenuous stretch. It is therefore certainly better to do the Rudolfsteig on the ascent. Second, because more buses depart from Preiner Gscheid, making it easier to finish the route and return to Payerbach-Reichenau station.
Overall, it was a long but beautiful nature route over the Rax plateau and a very varied route, consisting of steep, natural paths and easy climbing sections (partly secured with ropes).
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The paths are steep and partly exposed. Stamina, sure-footedness, and freedom from vertigo are essential.
Tips and suggestions
Plan route with the transport association for Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland (VOR)
https://anachb.vor.at/
Roadbook
The route starts at the Preiner Gscheid bus stop and from here you take the Reißtalersteig, one of the left paths upward. It is an easy, wide, and well-visible trail that goes through the forest and runs along the Raxenbach.
At the first intersection you have to leave the Reißtalersteig and take the Gretchensteig. The Gretchensteig is steeper than the Reißtalersteig but very beautiful and scenic. The view of the Preinerwand accompanies almost the entire way, which is soon after the intersection with the Martinsteig left.
The Martinsteig is very narrow compared to the previous paths and includes some rock sections where you have to use your hands. The Martinsteig ends with a view of the Karl-Ludwig-Haus, and here you should definitely take the opportunity for a break, as it is the only shelter you will find on the way.
From here it continues over the Nordalpenweg 01 up to the Predigstuhl (1899 m) and then across the plateau, over the Trinksattel up to the Dreimarkstein (1949 m). From here you go up and down steadily (Scheibwaldhöhe 1943 m, Hohe Lecherin 1926 m) until the junction where you follow the signs to the Rudolfsteig, which leads into the Höllental.
The Rudolfsteig is very long and steep (1100 m elevation), has exposed sections (partly secured) and rocky passages. It is a very varied path with beautiful views both of the rock walls of the Rax and the Höllental below.
From the end of the Rudolfsteig, you reach the bus stop via a path beside the paved road.
Karl-Ludwig-Haus
Parkplatz beim Rudolfsteig
Bushaltestelle Höllental Abzw. Weichtalhaus
Weichtalhaus NF-Ausbildungs- u. Kletterzentrum
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Train from Vienna towards Payerbach-Reichenau station.
Bus line 342 from Payerbach-Reichenau station towards Preiner Gscheid.
Bus line 341 from Weichtalhaus to Payerbach-Reichenau station.
Note: the buses do not operate all year, but only from April to the end of October.
Directions
South motorway via Wiener Neustadt to Payerbach-Reichenau and further to Preiner Gscheid or Weichtalhaus.
Parking
Parking available both at Preiner Gscheid (paid) and at the end of the Rudolfsteig (then 2 cars are needed).
Coordinates
Equipment
Standard hiking equipment
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions