Details for: Mitterbach - Erlauf reservoir - Hagengut - Ötscherhias
Brief description
Mitterbach on the Erlaufsee is located on the Styrian-Lower Austrian border on the Via Sacra in the midst of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. The intact environment, oxygen-rich air combined with unique flora characterize Mitterbach.
Description
One of the most beautiful hiking areas in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park includes the Ötscher gorges. A romantic hiking trail – the Hagenstraße – runs along the Erlauf reservoir to the Ötscherstraße at Hagengut. Following the course of the Ötscherstraße, you take the marked turnoff and pass the "old water wheel" before descending in short steep switchbacks to the snack station "Ötscherhias". Now the "Grand Canyon" of Austria lies directly before the hiker. Along the way, breathtaking views of the Ötscher open up time and again.
Starting point of the tour
Village square Mitterbach
Route description Mitterbach - Erlauf reservoir - Hagengut - Ötscherhias
From the village square in Mitterbach, you can reach the nature park entrance in about 10 minutes. The Hagenstraße runs along the Erlauf reservoir (blue marking 9a, or via suspension bridge into the Erlaufklause - also accessible by Mariazell Railway) to the Ötscherstraße at Hagengut. Following the course of the Ötscherstraße, you take the marked turnoff and pass the "old water wheel" before descending in short steep switchbacks to the snack station "Ötscherhias". Through the gorge landscape of the Ötscher gorges westward past Mirafall, Schleierfall the path leads to the shelter "Vorderötscher". From here there is the possibility to ascend to the Gemeindealpe or the Ötscher.
Directions
coming from Linz: A1 exit Ybbs/Donau - direction Eisenstraße - follow B25 to Mitterbach
coming from Vienna: A1 exit St. Pölten South - direction Mariazell - follow B20 to Mitterbach
Parking
Village square parking lot
