Barrier-reduced and stroller-friendly route along the Erlauf reservoir to Erlaufklause. Return trip with the Mariazell railway!
Description
The starting point of the route is the train station in Mitterbach, so a comfortable arrival with the Mariazell railway is recommended. The hike first follows the federal road to the Mitterbach nature park entrance; at the Erlauf reservoir tavern, you can not only take a short break but also pay the nature park entrance fee.
Along the fjord-like Erlauf reservoir with crystal-clear water, the path then leads along the entire southern shore to the impressive dam. From there, it is only a stone's throw to the Erlaufklause train station. The return trip to Mitterbach is again by the Mariazell railway.
Starting point of the tour
Mitterbach train station
Destination point of the tour
Erlaufklause train station
Route description Erlauf reservoir Mitterbach - Erlaufklause
In the village of Mitterbach, start heading north towards the entrance of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park (opposite the sawmill). The path leads along the southern shore of the Erlauf reservoir towards Hagenstraße and then to the dam. After crossing the dam, you reach Erlaufklause train station in about 10 minutes on the paved road.
Directions
From Linz: A1 motorway; exit Ybbs; direction Wieselburg and Scheibbs (approx. 1.5 hours from Linz)
From Vienna: A1 motorway; exit St. Pölten via Pielachtal (approx. 1.5 hours from Vienna)
From Styria (Graz): S35 towards Leoben to Bruck/Mur junction, B116 to Kapfenberg, B20 towards Mariazell
Parking
Paid parking is available at both the Mitterbach and Erlaufklause nature park entrances - €5/day. The income from parking management benefits the maintenance of the nature park. (Coin payment only at parking meters)
Mariazell railway from St. Pölten or Mariazell to Mitterbach.
Author's tip
The Water Experience Trail, just a short detour of the route, provides insights into fountains, biotopes, and fish species of the reservoir!
