Hiking the Ötschergräben Canyon in Lower Austria (original) (raw)

Ötschergräben is a canyon located in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park within the Mostviertel of Lower Austria, Austria.

A heavily-bolstered trail, made up of many boardwalks and footbridges, leads through the deep canyon. Cascading waterfalls feed the crystal clear Ötscherbach stream, which flows through the canyon floor.

If you want to hike the full length of the canyon out-and-back, it takes nearly 7 hours. However, you don’t necessarily need to. We recommend hiking to Ötscherhias hut, which marks the halfway point. From Ötscherhias, you can decide how much further you want to go.

The first time we hiked Ötschergräben was in mid-September: that time of year when summer courteously gives way to fall and the colors begin to change. The second time we hiked the canyon trail was in July during a heat weave. Our experience was far better in September, when the temperature was cooler.

During that first trip, we hiked from Ötschergräben to Gemeindealpe and overnighted in Schutzhaus Vorderötscher hut along the way. Recently, we returned and hiked the whole trail (Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center to Gemeindealpe) as a day hike.

The Schutzhaus Vorderötscher to Gemeindealpe stretch was underwhelming. So, we decided to re-write this guide as an out-and-back day hike, as opposed to a 2-day hike.

Ötschergräben Canyon Hike, Lower Austria

Ötschergräben Trailhead

Ötschergräben and Ötscher Bach Stream, Mostviertel, Lower Austria

The Ötschergräben canyon hike starts at the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center in Wienerbruck.

To reach the trailhead with public transit from Vienna, take a train to St. Pölten (30 min) and then the regional Mariazeller Bahn to Wienerbruck-Josefsberg Bahnhof (another 1:50 hours). Buy your train ticket to Wienerbruck-Josefsberg Bahnhof.

There are two paid car parks near the trailhead.

When we last visited, the parking fees were:

Up to 1 hour | 1 EUR

Up to 2 hours | 2 EUR

Day Ticket | 5 EUR

Payment is accepted in cash, or by card.

If you have trouble with the parking machine, you can purchase your parking ticket inside the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center.

Ötschergräben Entrance Fee

Ötschergräben, Ötscherbach stream, Austria

There is an entrance fee to enter Ötschergräben Canyon: 4 EUR for adults and 2 EUR for children.

Pay the entrance fee inside the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center, which is open between May and October.

The entrance fee is free for Wilde Wunder Card holders. Regional accommodations distribute this tourist card to their overnight guests at check in.

Ötschergräben Canyon Trail Description

Naturparkzentrum Ötscher-Basis to Kraftwerk Power Station (35 minutes)

Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center, Ötschergräben trailhead, Austria

First head to the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center, which houses a gift shop and café, which is only open on Fridays through Sundays (11 am – 6 pm).

If you don’t have a Wilde Wunder Card, purchase your entrance ticket inside.

The trail starts behind the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park Center. Follow signs to Ötschergräben and Ötscherhias (snack hut).

Follow the paved road along the reservoir and then bear left on the gravel path to the “Eingang Ötschergräben” (Ötschergräben entrance).

The path leads southwest into a lush forest. The path is reinforced with boardwalks and handrails.

Ötschergräben Bridge, Austria

After crossing the bridge over the Lassingbach stream, the trail clings to the west, and later northern bank (right side). At this point, the stream bed looks like a giant flower pot overflowing with flora.

Follow the boardwalk ledge.

After seeing the Kienfall waterfall, the trail crosses the stream again. The trail leads through mixed forest to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon.

Ötschergräben canyon trail, Austria

From here, the path drops down a few stairs and then passes through natural arches.

This stretch of path is more rugged, because of the slippery terrain.

Ötschergräben canyon trail, natural arches, Austria

Continue to descend to the power station, housed in a yellow building.

Kraftwerk Power Station to Ötscherhias (1 hour)

Ötschergräben Hiking Trail, Mostviertel, Austria

Cross the bridge, located just beyond the power station, and turn left.

The path leads along the stream bed of Erlauf and soon the Ötscher Bach stream. As you progress, the canyon narrows and the walls are more and more impressive.

Ötschergräben boardwalk trail, Austria

There are a few more bridge crossings, before reaching the Ötscher Hias snack station.

Jausenstation Ötscher Hias is located across a bridge on the forested bank of the Ötscher Bach. It looks like a treehouse. This hut is open only in good weather between late April and late October (9 am – 5 pm). Check the exact opening times.

Ötscherhias, Ötschergräben, Austria

Ötscherhias serves various sausages, Frittatensuppe (clear soup with sliced crepes), Selchfleischbrot mit Kren (bread with smoked meat and horseradish), as well as refreshments.

Ötscherhias – Mirafall – Schleierfall (1:30 hours)

Ötschergräben Hiking Trail in July, Lower Austria

A lot of people stop their hike here, however the canyon trail continues for another 4 km, ending at the Schutzhaus Vorderötscher turn-off near Schleierfall waterfall (Google Maps).

Along the way, the trail passes the Mirafall waterfall. During our last visit, the waterfall was completely dried up.

How far should you go? Go as far as you want.

Ötschergräben Canyon Walls, Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, Austria

In summer, the heat can be punishing in the canyon. So, you may want to relax and dip in the pools near Ötscher Hias and then head back.

If it’s a cooler autumn’s day, I’d continue the hike. Keep in mind, if you do hike all the way to the end of the canyon trail, it’s a 17 km out-and-back hike.

Schleierfall – Ötscherhias – Naturparkzentrum Ötscher-Basis (3:20 hours)

Swimming area near Ötscherhias, Lower Austria

Follow the same trail back to Naturparkzentrum Ötscher-Basis.

Where to Stay near Ötschergräben

Mitterbach am Erlaufsee

Budget | Berliner Ecke is an apartment-style accommodation with simple, but clean rooms and well-equipped kitchens.

Midrange-Luxury | R&R Residenzen Hotel features spacious, modern rooms, a small sauna area with views of the Gemeindealpe, and a fantastic breakfast buffet (included).

Luxury | meinHimmelschlüssel are two apartments, tastefully designed with great attention to detail. The stylish apartments are outfitted with fully-equipped kitchens, a sun terrace and garden.

Look for accommodation in Mitterbach am Erlaufsee.

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