Hike Wasserleitungsweg - Part 1: Höllental (Niederösterreich)

Suggested by: Peter Levenitschnig Date: Sunday May 11, 2003 Meeting and ending point: Parking space for Rax-Seilbahn (cable car) (near Hirschwang) Meeting time: 10.15 a.m. Destination: Kaiserbrunn im Höllental (526m) Difficulty: Easy, not dangerous. Also suitable for children. Duration: 5-6 hours (walking time 3-4 hours) Photo: Peter Levenitschnig

Route description:
Following the route of the "1. Wiener Hochquellenwasserleitung" (drinking water pipe for Vienna) from Hirschwang to Kaiserbrunn (the first big spring) through Höllental (picturesque valley between Rax and Schneeberg). The trail is very easy, along the river Schwarza with little ups and downs (maximum 100 m). Beautiful views to the clear water of the river and to the steep rocks on both sides. Lunchtime at Kaiserbrunn (Gasthaus), visit of Wasserleitungsmuseum (if there is interest), then the same way back.

Equipment needed:
Usual hiking gear for summer time. Also bring along pullover, rain jacket and hiking boots (or something similar), since the trail is nearly level, but the ground is alpine (stony).

Car connections:
Wien - Südautobahn A2 - Semmering Schnellstraße S6 to Gloggnitz - Reichenau - Hirschwang - Parking space of Raxseilbahn (cable car). Appr. 100 km.

Train connections:
Wien Südbahnhof 8,38 (Eilzug) or 8,57 [Eurocity (EC) + Eilzug (E)] > Payerbach-Reichenau: 10.07
P: 16,54 / 17,54 / 18,54 > W: 18,02 (E+EC) or 18,20 (E), 19,02/19,20 20,02/20,20
People coming by train could be collected from the train station. Please phone in advance!