Winter hikes in Semmering

From Semmering train station to Sonnwendstein and back via Liechtensteinhaus,

Circular hike in winter: Circular hike: Semmering Passhöhe- Semmering railroad station via the railroad hiking trail to the Doppelreiteraussichtswarte- 20-Schilling Blick- Hochstraße - Semmering Passhöhe

From the top of the Semmering Pass via the high road to the railroad hiking trail, on to the famous Doppelreiter viewing platform and the 20-Schilling view and back to the top of the pass.

Passhöhe Semmering- Hochstraße- around the Semmeringkogel- Hochstraße Passhöhe

Circular hike from the Semmering pass to the Pinkenkogel and back to the starting point via the high road

Developing mental endurance perhaps requires the most effort not in nature, but after the early morning coffee. Should we spend this year's third Sunday of Advent cuddled up in the warm room all the time? In the gray, harsh, mild winter weather caused by the inversion cloud cover, one does not feel like going out much. Planning is not simple from the armchair either, as pictures show that even with all the advantages of the Internet, the consequences cannot be predicted. The first thing is to find a well-passable hiking route nearby, which is easily accessible and has parking by car. According to the Bergfex precipitation radar, around Semmering we can already find ourselves above the inversion cloud cover. Semmering is a well-known excursion and ski paradise. In winter, especially in the light of this year's restrictions, it shows a different face. Naturally, sledding and ski slopes are still crowded to the brim despite the lifts not operating. However, we wanted a different program. We longed for the silence of the forest, the sunny snowy landscape. Our serotonin level immediately benefited from the pleasant and calm, white, sunny winter landscape. The snow line started at about 600-700m elevation that day. Our hike led through an unexpectedly beautiful panorama on an uninterrupted winter path. The trails were visibly cleared by machines in many places. After the second kilometer, we could only step in the footprints of those ahead of us. The nearly 11km hike was not easy. Indeed, in summer this would seem trivial, but in places there was half a meter of snow depth. This would have quickly eroded our physical endurance if it had not been for the view and the feeling of freshness. I think I would not have undertaken this hike with more than 5-6 people. Winter conditions require much attention and minute-by-minute problem-solving in a larger group. Appropriate clothing, proper physical condition, and mental endurance are very important. On a winter hike, the joint presence of all these conditions is much more emphasized. To ensure these statements are not empty words or clichés, one must go through the path, love and respect nature. The nature to which we have always belonged. Urban lifestyle has profoundly alienated us from our true nature. Out here, we are more empathetic, cheerful, and happier.

Unfortunately, the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 are still in place. Therefore, we are not organizing group tours. However, as an individual encouragement, here is a little experience sharing. One week after the previous snowy hike, today we slipped a lot on the occasionally icy path. This time we only planned 300m elevation difference and about 8km of walking. However, during the hike, we had to choose less frequented routes due to the icier paths. This definitely paid off because descending the mountain seemed much safer. Unfortunately, even the best hiking shoes fail on ice. Therefore, it is recommended to acquire crampons if you regularly hike in such places during winter. This trail is not as spectacular as the Sonnwendstein, but after the gloomy drizzly weather in Vienna, the trail leading to Pinkenkogel is definitely a remedy against depression. The route started from the Semmering Passhöhe parking lot. It's worth going early because there are not many spots left. Parking is free! During our trip, we passed by the famous and huge Südbahn Hotel. We also peeked into a picturesque Catholic church. We also encountered an interesting natural phenomenon with the fog stream. The mystical fog stream flowed towards the valley as if it were a waterfall. A rare phenomenon. It is recommended to come up to Pinkenkogel after fresh snowfall, before the trails are trampled. The average daytime temperature was about -2°C. Therefore, it is advisable to dress warmly and bring warm liquids with you. Accordingly, it is worthwhile neither to choose too popular nor a godforsaken winter hiking spot. This is the experience as a side note from yesterday's trip. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Easy winter hike on the Sonnwendstein as a circular route

TEST Kondition, schöne Tour, leider viel im Ort unterwegs.

Téli túra, Semmering legszebb kilátópontjait érintve