Ötschergräben: The “Grand Canyon of Austria” – A paradise for hikers
The Ötschergräben, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Austria", offer one of the most spectacular hiking regions in Lower Austria. The deeply cut gorges with their roaring waterfalls, clear streams and rugged cliffs are a natural experience in a class of their own. The gorges are located in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park and offer hikers a wealth of routes and breathtaking views.
Short info:
- Place and address: Ötschergräben, 3292 Gaming, Lower Austria
- Accessibility: Parking is available at the Ötscher base camp, further entrances via Lackenhof or Wienerbruck.
- Popular hiking routes: Ötschergräben hike, Schleierfall, waterfall trail, Teichalm route
- Highlights: Waterfalls, gorge paths, viewpoints, shelters along the route
- cable cars: Ötscherlift in Lackenhof (skiing in winter, limited operating times in summer)
- Admission: None, more information on hiking trails and maps here.
Hiking in the Ötschergräben: Where to start?
There are several entrances to the Ötschergräben, depending on which hiking route you prefer. The most popular starting points are Wienerbruck, Lackenhof, and Ötscher base campWienerbruck is especially popular with those who want to walk the circular route along the Ötschergräben. A good tip is to Wienerbruck reservoir and start the tour from there. The first stage leads over the waterfall trail, one of the most spectacular routes through the Ötschergräben.
For a longer hike, you can also start in Lackenhof where you can also find the Ötscherlift to go up the mountain. From there you have the option of either descending directly into the ditches or taking one of the longer high-altitude trails that offer you impressive panoramas over the Ötscher region.
Popular hikes in the Ötschergräben
One of the most famous and most frequented routes is the hike from Wienerbruck through the Ötschergräben to the veil fallThis route takes you through narrow gorges, along clear streams and past several waterfalls. The veil fall itself is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Ötschergräben and a popular resting place for hikers.
If you fancy a longer hike, you can continue the route to Teichalm The hike takes about four to five hours, is well signposted and offers numerous viewpoints of the Ötscher and the surrounding landscape. There are several refuges along the route where you can stop for a break, such as the Ötscherhüttethat lies on the way.
For hikers who prefer a circular tour, the entry is via Lackenhof a good choice. Here you can either use the rough ridge climb up or use the Ötscherlift to shorten the route a little. This route is particularly popular with experienced hikers, as the route over the Rauher Kamm is considered more challenging.
Pure nature: waterfalls and gorges
The Ötschergräben are not only popular because of the hiking trails, but also because of their spectacular nature. Numerous waterfalls cascade down the steep rocks and form natural pools that offer refreshing cooling on hot days. The above-mentioned veil fall and the Mirafall, both of which are among the highlights of the region. The paths along the gorges lead you through dense forests and over small wooden bridges, which repeatedly offer breathtaking views of the ditches and the crystal-clear water.
How to reach the Ötschergräben
The Ötschergräben are easily accessible. From Vienna it takes about 1.5 hours by car. The best parking options are at Wienerbruck reservoir or at Ötscher base camp in Lackenhof. If you are travelling by public transport, the train station is Wienerbruck-Josefsberg a practical starting point. From there you can directly access the Ötschergräben hiking trails.
mountain railways and seasonal operations
During the summer the Ötscherlift in Lackenhof for hikers occasionally operates, especially on weekends and in high season. In winter, the region turns into a popular ski resort and the lift is then in operation daily. Note that the opening times of the cable cars depend on the season, so it is worth checking the website in advance to get up-to-date information.
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