Stage 13 Luchs Trail Lackenhof - Wienerbruck
4400 Steyr
Grand Finale: Towards the Ötscher summit and then through the breathtaking Ötscher gorges – the "Grand Canyon of Austria", up to the Nature Park Center "Ötscher Basis" in Wienerbruck.
Recommended season:
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
The starting point for the final stage on the Luchs Trail is Lindenplatz in Lackenhof, near the bench and the signpost tree. Caution is advised here because the signposts are misleading: you do not follow the sign to the left but turn right into the small asphalt road behind the elementary school but before the yellow house (ground marking: "Ötscher"). This steep asphalt road runs along the upper edge of Lackenhof – directly behind the grey building of the "Junges Hotel" you turn left and soon reach the Hotel Ötscherblick. Now turn right up the small asphalt road (trail no. 4 "Ötscher/Ötscher shelter"). At the next two forks keep left (trail no. 4 "Ötscher/Ötscher shelter") and now follow the ski slope uphill until a forest road branches off to the left, leading diagonally uphill through forest and crossing ski slopes. After a while you reach a signpost tree at the so-called "Riffelboden". Continue a few meters along the forest road in the direction of travel, then turn right over the narrow ski slope (trail no. 4 "Ötscher/Ötscher shelter") or up the path parallel to the left of the ski slope to reach the 1,283 m high Riffelsattel.
This is the highest point of the stage: going left, the narrow slope leads up to the Ötscherschutzhaus in about 20 minutes, from where you could reach the 1,893 m high Ötscher summit (additional time from Riffelsattel back and forth approximately 3 hrs 15 min). The Luchs Trail, however, leads down on the other side of the saddle from the signpost tree at Riffelsattel (trail "Ötschergräben" no. 5). First on a path through open terrain, then through beautiful forest, you descend about 300 vertical meters quite steeply in serpentines – the forest provides pleasant shade on this south-facing slope. You now reach a forest road that leads down to the right (trail "Wienerbruck/Ötschergräben" no. 14/15). Soon you come to a larger flat forest road, which you follow left through meadows past the forester's house "Spielbichler". After about 30 minutes (2 km) on this only slightly descending forest road, a path to the right leads off towards "Wienerbruck/Ötschergräben" no. 14/15. You first hike down through meadows and then through partly quite steep forest into the gorges.
Here begin the famous Ötscher gorges: you follow the initially still quite gentle Ötscherbach creek downstream and shortly reach the Schleierfall, a beautiful waterfall. Just behind the waterfall a wooden bridge would lead right over the creek towards the "Schutzhaus Vorderötscher" – but you stay on the left side of the creek and continue following the path downstream ("Wienerbruck/Ötschergräben" no. 14/15). From here, the Ötscher gorges become clearly wilder: the excellently laid path is equipped with cable railings over longer stretches, as it runs 10 to 30 m high over the now wilder Ötscherbach on the left side. Wooden walkways are also installed in the rock to make this impressive gorge easily passable. You hike downhill for a total of 2 hrs 30 min through the Ötscher gorges, ignoring the paths branching off from the gorge – passing the "Ötscherhias," a snack station built into the rock and accessible via a bridge. This is – apart from the Ötscherschutzhaus off the route – the only place to stop on this stage. Following the "Wienerbruck" trail you eventually reach the "Stierwaschboden" demonstration power plant. Here the paths split: you cross the Erlauf river to the right (trail "Bahnhof Wienerbruck" – shortly before, the Ötscherbach flows into the Erlauf) and walk directly past the demonstration power plant (a short visit is highly recommended).
Now follows a final ascent up to Wienerbruck: behind the power plant begins a partly rock-hewn but very well passable path, which leads alongside a gorge for 130 vertical meters to a fork in the path. Here you keep right uphill towards Wienerbruck and reach a small asphalt road after 20 minutes. [NOTE: There is a donation box here from the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, whose proceeds go towards the maintenance of the path system. The Nature Park is very grateful for donations to ensure the continued accessibility of the Ötscher gorges.] The asphalt road leading right brings you to the destination of the Luchs Trail, the "Nature Park Center Ötscher-Basis", in 5 minutes.
Now it's time to finally put your feet up and reflect on everything once more. Or – even better – to take a look inside this worthwhile Nature Park Center, which can tell us so much about the wild nature in "Austria's Wild Heart."
Tip:More info at: www.luchstrail.at
It is recommended to contact the Trail Info & Booking Center before booking.
Offers at: bookyourtrail.com
Safety guidelines:Mountain rescue emergency number: 140Equipment:
Sturdy hiking boots or good trekking shoes, hiking backpack, water bottle, first aid kit including blister plasters, hiking map and smartphone, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, hut sleeping bag
You should also be well prepared for changing weather.
Packing your backpack correctly makes many things easier: Pack heavy items first. The water bottle should always be easily accessible in a side pocket. All items frequently needed such as sunglasses, smartphone, or hiking map should be packed on top.
Additional information:Booking center & general info hotline
Trail Angels GmbH
Obervellach 15, 9821 Obervellach
Tel.: +43 47 82 93 093
bookyourtrail.com
Information office Lower Austria:
Mostviertel Tourismus
Töpperschloss Neubruck
Neubruck 2/10, 3270 Scheibbs
Tel.: +43 (0)7482/204 44
info@mostviertel.at
Information office Upper Austria:
Alpenland Tourismus GmbH
Bahnhofstraße 2, 4580 Windischgarsten
Information office: Reichraming
Tel.: +43 7252 53229-40
reichraming@360alpenland.com
alpenland@360.com
Information office Styria:
Tourism Association Gesäuse
Hauptstraße 35, 8911 Admont, Austria
Tel. +43 (0) 3613 21160 10
info@gesaeuse.at
www.gesaeuse.at
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
Opening hours all year round by appointment only
Experience the fascination of model making up close - in the old elementary school in Lackenhof you can marvel at a model railroad, the Ötscher mountain railroad, the Gr. and Kl. Ötscher and a detailed replica of the village of Lackenhof including buildings.
NEW: Erzberg, Christmas cribs and RC vehicles
Visits by appointment only!
August Etzler is looking forward to your visit!
If you want to relax, unwind and enjoy sports during your vacation, you don't have to do without your favorite leisure activities. Simply get in touch with me and hire me on an hourly basis to accompany you photographically and get great pictures that you can enjoy all year round.
Your special advantages: In me you will find a dedicated professional photographer who knows the region and, thanks to his diverse interests and training, certifications and qualifications, not only ensures good pictures. You will also learn a lot of background information while I stage you in your vacation environment, get to know the best photo spots and vantage points and can test my hiking guide skills on hikes.
Or test my qualities as a ski sports photographer on the slopes of your choice in the region between Ötscher, Maiszinken, Hochkar and Forsteralm. My experience from junior and masters ski racing, where I have been able to get very close to skiing for many years as a recognized photographer at school ski championships, WinterWorldMastersGames (Innsbruck 2020) or at Masters World Championships, is just right to be used for you.
For example: The photographic accompaniment of a hike 'On the wooden path' through the Mendlingtal in Göstling/Ybbs or through the Ötschergräben with your family in spring or fall. Or ski school lessons for your children with fun on the slopes in the afternoon. Or participation in a ski race or ski sports training. The latter can be organized by me at your request through my contacts, as can a semi-professional photo shoot in the wild and romantic natural landscape of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park in the Mostviertel.
Simply contact me and make an appointment!
To have time for yourself in a stressful world, to let your mind wander, switch off from everyday life and let yourself be pampered.
That's the basic idea behind Karin's feng shui hairdressing studio!
The Hubertus Huts is a rustic, wooden ski hut on the Eibenkogel (955m) in Lackenhof am Ötscher.
Energy meets history. The Niederösterreichische Landes-Elektrizitätswerk, predecessor of today's EVN, built the Wienerbruck power plant from 1907-1911, which generated the traction current for the Mariazell Railway and thus for one of the first electrified railroads in Austria-Hungary.
The power station is still in operation. It has been open to visitors since the Lower Austrian Provincial Exhibition in 2015. The power station can only be reached on foot from the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center in Wienerbruck in around 45 minutes.
Tip:
Combine a visit to the Wienerbruck power plant with a hike through the Ötschergräben and the Ötscher-Tormäuer, or with a visit to the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center and the Vorderötscher refuge.
The Ötscher village of Lackenhof lies at 810 m above sea level in a side valley right at the foot of the Ötscher and is part of the "Hiking Village Gaming". It offers wonderful conditions for a vacation in the heart of nature all year round. In SUMMER, Lackenhof is the ideal place for connoisseurs and explorers. Well-marked hiking trails and mountain bike routes of all levels of difficulty lead around the Ötscher village.
In WINTER, the attractive ski area on the Ötscher offers everything families could wish for. From the Sunny Kids Park with magic carpet to black pistes. Ski schools and ski rental are available to our guests directly in Lackenhof. Away from the slopes, winter sports enthusiasts can look forward to 33 km of perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails, 12 km of winter hiking trails and 3 permanently signposted snowshoe hiking trails.
- Excursion tip: cable car ride up the Ötscher, archery course at the foot of the Ötscher, Lackenhof am Ötscher ski area
- Tour tip: Lackenhof - Raneck - Rauher Kamm - Ötscher summit (hiking)
Famous waterfall in the Ötschergräben: Hikers can reach the 90-metre-high Lassingfall from Wienerbruck in around 45 minutes via a narrow but well-maintained path. A viewpoint along the way provides a particularly beautiful view of the waterfall.
The Lassingfall is located directly on the hiking route between Wienerbruck and Ötscherhias, which is also the most famous section of the Ötschergräben.
The Lassingfall and Lassingbach are particularly impressive in spring and after heavy rainfall.
ATTENTION: Please do not access via the Kienbachfall (indicated in Google Maps) - there is an extreme danger of falling!
The address for your navigation system for the nearest parking lot is: Ötscher-Basis, Langseitenrotte 140, 3223 Wienerbruck
The hiking trail also leaves from there!
Tour tips around the Lassingfall:
- Wienerbruck - Lassingfall - Ötschergräben - Erlaufklause
Distance: 8 km, around 3 hours hiking time - Wienerbruck - Lassingfall - Ötschergräben - Erlaufstausee - Mitterbach
Distance: 11.2 km, around 4 h hiking time - Gösing - Hintere Tormäuer - Lassingfall - Wienerbruck
Route: 8.5 km, around 3.5 h hiking time - Mitterbach - Erlaufstausee - Ötscherhias - Stierwaschboden - Lassingfall - Wienerbruck
Distance: 11.5 km, around 5 hours hiking time
On all four tours, the Mariazell Railway can be used as a convenient means of transportation back to the starting point.
Further information and tour tips for the Ötschergräben can be found at www.mostviertel.at/oetschergraeben!
The Teichwies'n Alm offers fresh food and regional delicacies. You can also visit our alpine store with lots of gift ideas and souvenirs.
The largest nature park in Lower Austria is also the most impressive for many. This is partly due to the wealth of adventures that await in the impressive landscape, and partly due to the tranquil, unspoilt nature around the Ötscher mountain - with its inimitable interplay of gentle alpine pastures, deep gorges, waterfalls and caves. Adventure stations at the nature park entrances add informative and playful aspects to hiking.
The Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park is accessible to the public via the Mariazell Railway. The seven nature park stations are: Winterbach, Puchenstuben, Gösing, Reith, Wienerbruck, Erlaufklause and Mitterbach.
Hiking cabs run between Mariazell - Erlaufsee - Lackenhof.
There is a large parking lot directly at the Ötscher base in Wienerbruck. The parking lot is the ideal starting point for your hike into the Ötschergräben.
The Mariazell Railway also has a stop in the immediate vicinity (Wienerbruck station) and will take you back to Wienerbruck after your hike. Alternatively, you can of course start the day with a scenic train ride that will take you comfortably to your tour starting point.
The parking lot is subject to charges (coins only). The current prices can be found at www.naturpark-oetscher.at/anreise-und-eintritt.
Hiking tours from Wienerbruck:
- From Wienerbruck to the Kaiserthron
Distance: 3 km, approx. 1 hour walking time - Wienerbruck - Ötschergräben - Ötscherhias - Erlaufklause
(return with Mariazellerbahn)
Distance: 8 km, approx. 3 hours walking time - Wienerbruck - Ötschergräben - Erlaufstausee - Mitterbach
(return with Mariazellerbahn)
Route: 11.2 km, approx. 4 hours walking time - Wienerbruck - Ötschergräben - Voderötscher - Gemeindealpe - Mitterbach
(return with Mariazellerbahn)
Distance: 19 km, approx. 9 hours walking time
Hiking tours to Wienerbruck:
(the journey from Wienerbruck to the starting point of the tour is by Mariazell cable car)
- Alpenhotel Gösing - Hintere Tormäuer - Lassingfall - Wienerbruck
(Arrival to Gösing with the Mariazellerbahn)
Route: 8.6 km, approx. 3.5 hours walking time - Mitterbach - Erlaufstausee - Ötscherhias - Stierwaschboden - Lassingfall - Wienerbruck
(Arrival to Mitterbach with Mariazellerbahn)
Route: 11.4 km, approx. 5 hours walking time
Tip: The Seegasthaus Ötscher-Basis invites you to stop off right at the parking lot!
Opening hours all year round by appointment
Every Thursday in the former Lackenhof elementary school, master carpenter Karl Teufel presents many tools from the carpentry and joinery trades, which were also used by the lumberjacks of the time. Various demonstrations show how these tools are still used productively today. The history of how the tools were made is also documented on various images.
In addition, the Ötscher bear and numerous other taxidermied native animals provide educational information from the world of fauna.
A special exhibition on "The cow as a draught animal" has been added to the museum "Old crafts - lived anew", which has now been in existence for 3 years.
A cow with an attached manure sledge in original size, many A3 pictures with cows and other carriages and their corresponding explanations have been presented with guided tours since November 2017.
The private museum has also been part of the Lower Austrian Iron Road Museums since 2019.
The Teichwiese toboggan run is centrally located in Lackenhof am Ötscher, just after the entrance to the village next to the Teichwies'n Alm. Thanks to its central location, it is particularly easy to reach and a popular meeting point for winter family fun.
The cross-country skiing equipment prepares a meadow here, which offers ideal conditions for safe and fun toboggan runs thanks to its basin location. At the same time, there is plenty of space to play, run around and trample the snow.
Use of the tobogganing meadow is free of charge and toilet facilities are located in the immediate vicinity. Plate and Zipfelbobs as well as toboggans can be hired directly on site at Sport 2000 and Intersport Ötscher in Lackenhof.
If there is enough snow, the toboggan run is open from December to the end of March and ensures carefree winter fun in the middle of the village. ❄️��
Beautiful waterfall, whose fine waterway is partly reminiscent of a veil. It is located in the rear Ötschergräben, on the path between the Vorderötscher shelter and the Ötscherhias snack station.
Tour tips around the Schleierfall in the Ötschergräben:
- Wienerbruck - Ötschergräben - Vorderötscher - Erlaufklause (return with the Mariazellerbahn)
Route: 17.5 km, around 6 hours walking time - Lackenhof - Ötschergräben - Erlaufklause (route tour)
Distance: 14 km, around 5 hours walking time - From the Rauhen Kamm to the deepest ditches (circular tour)
Distance: 27.3 km, around 12 hours walking time - Gemeindealpe Mitterbach - Vorderötscher - Ötschergräben - Wienerbruck (return with the Mariazellerbahn)
Distance: 14.4 km, around 5 hours walking time
Further information and tour tips for the Ötschergräben can be found at www.mostviertel.at/oetschergraeben!
The Teichwiesn Alm is located in the center of Lackenhof and is a popular refreshment stop for skiers and hikers alike. The heart of the Teichwies'n Alm is the Alm Café. The innkeepers serve hearty regional delicacies in a rustic and cozy atmosphere. You can also buy all your daily groceries in the adjoining grocery store.
The Almrausch is the meeting point in the center of Lackenhof and is located in the Teichwiesn' Alm.
Impressive waterfall in the middle of the famous Ötschergräben. A popular destination for hikers.
Tour tips around the Mirafall:
- Wienerbruck - Ötschergräben - Vorderötscher - Erlaufklause (return with the Mariazellerbahn)
Distance: 17.5 km, around 6 hours walking time - Lackenhof - Ötschergräben - Erlaufklause (route tour)
Distance: 14 km, around 5 hours walking time - From the Rauhen Kamm to the deepest ditches (circular tour)
Distance: 27.3 km, around 12 hours walking time - Gemeindealpe Mitterbach - Vorderötscher - Ötschergräben - Wienerbruck (return with the Mariazellerbahn)
Distance: 14.4 km, around 5 hours walking time
Further information and tour tips for the Ötschergräben can be found at www.mostviertel.at/oetschergraeben!
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
Stadtplatz 27
4400 Steyr
Phone +43 7252 53229 - 0
E-Mail info@360alpenland.com
Web www.steyr-nationalpark.at/
