2nd try: Reichenau - Speckbacherhütte - Falkensteinwand - Semmering (Pinkenkogel) on 25 February 2023

..2nd attempt!

We'll walk to Speckbacherhütte via Reichenau & Katschkahöhe; after a break there (the hut should be open this time) on to 'Gaiskirchlein' on the Falkensteinwand and down to Breitenstein. From there we either follow the railway path or an alternative route through the woods to Semmering.

There is also the option the walk up Pinkenkogel from Semmering which would add another 1 1/2 hours; so, in total the duration of the hike could vary from 5 1/2- 6hrs to 7 - 8 hours.

Also, if the weather is less favourable, the walk can be varied & turned into a circular route, partly following the railway path  back to Payerbach-Reichenau train station.

Although i've done variations of this walk numerous times, I think it's  still a rather perfect winter hike..;)

public transport hike: train to Payerbach-Reichenau, return from Semmering