Details for: Wienerbruck - Ötschergräben - Erlauf Reservoir - Mitterbach
Brief description
Rugged cliffs, roaring waterfalls, unique nature – this is how one of Austria's most exciting landscapes presents itself to its visitors. Shaped by the forces of the Ötscherbach, a unique system of gorges lies at the foot of the Ötscher – the Ötschergräben. From Hagengut, the path follows Lower Austria's only "fjord." Along the wild romantic Erlauf reservoir, the path leads to Mitterbach.
Mobility tip: car-free arrival via the Mariazell railway directly to the Wienerbruck nature park entrance
Description
From the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center in Wienerbruck – which is ideal for a stopover before or after the route – the path runs along the Wienerbruck reservoir to Austria’s oldest dam. This is also the starting point for one of the country’s most impressive landscapes. The lovely path follows the course of the Lassing to the roaring Lassingfall. The water plunges about 160 m over several drops until it joins the Erlauf at the foot of the waterfall. Exactly there at the so-called Stierwaschboden stands an impressive building – the Wienerbruck power plant. Originally built to electrify the Mariazell railway, it is still fully operational, and since 2015 the turbine hall has been accessible to visitors. A few minutes should definitely be planned for a visit. From here, the path leads on trails, boardwalks, and bridges always upstream along the Ötscherbach. From the Ötscher-Hias snack station, the path leads over a short stretch of forest road to the Erlaufklause reservoir. Along the lakeshore, the path winds through yet another unique landscape. Not without reason, this section of the landscape is often called a fjord. Once in Mitterbach, the Stapelhaus with its unique view of the Ötscher offers a nice place to rest. The Mariazell railway takes hikers back from the Mitterbach station to Wienerbruck.
Starting point of the tour
Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park Entrance (Wienerbruck Train Station or Ötscher-Basis Wienerbruck)
Destination point of the tour
Mitterbach train station
Route description Wienerbruck - Ötschergräben - Erlauf Reservoir - Mitterbach
From Wienerbruck train station along the Ötscher-Basis by the reservoir to the dam, then left into a forest gorge, with a short descent to the roaring Kienbach waterfall opposite. Then continue downstream with occasional views of the Lassingfall. After short tunnel passages, you reach the Stierwaschboden valley basin with the Schau-Kraftwerk Wienerbruck (approx. 45 minutes). At the power plant, cross the bridge and then turn left upstream through the Ötschergräben gorge with a magnificent whitewater section under high rock faces to the Ötscherhias snack station (approx. 1.5 hours; popular snack station built in 1933, open daily from May to October until 5 pm). From Ötscherhias, follow the well-established trail up the Mühlbachlgraben, past the renovated mill, onward to Ötscherstraße. Turn right before the dam parking lot, then follow the reservoir to the Mitterbach nature park entrance (approx. 1.5 hours). Mitterbach train station - additional walking time of about 15 minutes through the town of Mitterbach.
Directions
A1 exit Ybbs/Donau - direction Eisenstraße - follow B25 - after Scheibbs turn left towards Puchenstuben - follow B28 direction Annaberg to Lassingrotte - turn right at Lassingrotte to Wienerbruck - Wienerbruck train station
Parking
Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center Wienerbruck
Both the start and end points are accessible by public transport via the Mariazell railway (stations Wienerbruck and Mitterbach).
Details and schedule: www.mariazellerbahn.at
Author's tip
- Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the lake terrace at the Ötscher-Basis nature park center. Special emphasis is placed here on the use of regional products such as dirndl juice, Ötscher beer, and game.
- Visit the Wienerbruck power plant at Stierwaschboden. The turbine hall features a self-explanatory exhibition. Guided tours can be arranged upon request. Simply inquire at 02728 21 100.
- If you still have the energy, a visit to Mirafall is recommended. From Ötscherhias, simply follow the Ötscherbach for about 20 minutes to the impressive waterfall. Plan about one hour for the round trip.
