Hiking along the venerable Mariazellerbahn, in the wonderful landscape of the Mostviertel, always with the Ötscher in view!
Description
The railway hiking trail leads along the entire route of the Mariazellerbahn from St. Pölten to Mariazell. One of the most beautiful sections crosses the Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer. A public journey by the Mariazellerbahn to Puchenstuben station is highly recommended. From Puchenstuben, the hike initially proceeds always towards Turmkogel on gravel roads or a wide path. Therefore, taking a stroller along is also no problem! At Wegscheidhäusel, the highest point is reached and then it goes downhill towards Gösing.
The hike then continues further downhill to Annaberg-Reith and along the Wienerbruck reservoir to the Ötscher-Basis in Wienerbruck. Once there, the lakeside inn invites you to linger and rest, before the return journey with the Mariazellerbahn to Puchenstuben.
Starting point of the tour
Puchenstuben train station
Destination point of the tour
Wienerbruck train station
Route description Railway hiking trail Puchenstuben to Wienerbruck
At Puchenstuben at the train station, you start uphill towards the town center and Turmkogel. From the hairpin bend at the edge of the town, follow a drive always close to the tracks of the Mariazellerbahn to Brandeben with the mountain hut Turmkogel (1108 m) and across the Wegscheidhäusel to Obergösing. After 1 km of road walking towards Wastl, enter the forest on the "old road" (forest road) to the Annakreuz and downhill to Annaberg-Reith (Protestant church). From Annaberg-Reith, follow the reservoir circular trail along the Wienerbruck reservoir to the Ötscher-Basis in Wienerbruck.
Directions
Coming from Linz: Motorway A1; exit Ybbs; direction Wieselburg and Scheibbs (about 1.5 hours from Linz)
Coming from Vienna: Motorway A1; exit St. Pölten through the Pielach valley (about 1.5 hours from Vienna)
Coming from Styria (Graz): S35 towards Leoben to the Bruck/Mur junction, B116 to Kapfenberg, B20 towards Mariazell
Parking
At the Ötscher-Basis there are paid parking spaces available – 5€/day. The revenue from parking management benefits the maintenance of the nature park. (only coins accepted at the parking meter)
A few free parking spaces are available at the Puchenstuben train station. Otherwise, you can also park in the village.
Mariazellerbahn from St. Pölten or Mariazell to Puchenstuben.
Author's tip
Don't forget your camera – the route offers unique views of the Ötscher!
