The Ötschergräben are affectionately called the Grand Canyon of Austria.
Over thousands of years, the water from the Ötscherbach and Erlauf formed an impressive gorge landscape on the south side of the Ötscher. On a path laid out by lumberjacks with bridges and footbridges along the cool turquoise water, various hiking tours invite families and leisurely hikers as well as ambitious mountain adventurers to enjoy very special nature experiences.
The Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Centre in Wienerbruck (Mariazellerbahn train station) is an ideal starting point for hikes through the Ötschergräben. Paths also lead to the Ötschergräben from Mitterbach, Gaming, Lackenhof, Puchenstuben or St. Anton.
A well-developed and well-used hiking trail leads through the ditch. About halfway there is the Ötscherhias snack bar, from which a hiking trail branches off towards the Erlauf reservoir. At the end of the Ötschergraben, directly between Gemeindealpe and Ötscher, is the Vorderötscher refuge, where you can also spend the night.
Please note that the parking spaces in the nature park charges apply are and only coins can be inserted into the parking machines.
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