The shortest way to the Wetterkogelhaus leads from the biotope in Mariensee, past the Marienseer Schwaig inn, to the Hochwechsel. Approaching Mariensee by car is advisable!
Description
This hike includes access to two inns (in alpine huts): Wetterkoglerhaus and Marienseerschwaig
In the various pastures on the Wechsel there is plenty to see, and the views are beautiful. The cosy Wetterkoglerhaus is at the highest point of the Wechsel, also known as the Hochwechsel (at 1,743 m above sea level), and therefore offers the most impressive view in the Wechselland area. The unique all-round view extends over Semmering and Rax to the Schneeberg – and even beyond the borders into Slovenia and Hungary. You can hike to see this view in a very short time from Mariensee. The hiking route, which is suitable for the whole family, leads directly Marienseer Schwaig inn to the summit. The Marienseer Schwaig inn serves homemade food, and several of the ingredients come from the inn’s own garden. This alpine inn is also accessible via the Wildwater Theme Trail. After the ascent to the Wetterkoglerhaus, your tastebuds will be spoiled with culinary delights, such as a delicious minced roast. The Wetterkoglerhaus can also be reached easily from the top station of the Mönichkirchen chairlift. This route leads straight across the path along the Viennese Alpine Arc. From there you can continue to hike to the Arabichl lift and the Feistritz Saddle Pass.
Starting point of the tour
Mariensee Biotope (Neuwald)
Destination point of the tour
Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel
Route description Hike to the Wetterkoglerhaus over the Marienseer Schwaig
From the car park at the biotope, follow the red hiking trail (number 51). We will keep left, and continue to follow the path. This will lead us past the Marienseer Schwaig inn. From there we will walk for another 1.5 km, following the hiking trail to the Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel.
Directions
From Vienna drive along the A2 southern motorway. Take the exit for Aspang-Edlitz, follow the B54 to Aspang, and take the third exit at the roundabout (Gutenberggasse). Turn right onto Bahnstrasse, and make a slight right turn onto Mühlgasse. Mühlgasse turns slightly to the right and becomes Sonneck. Turn left onto the L4184. Continue along the L4184 to Mariensee. Drive through the town to the valley head/biotope car park.
From Graz drive along the A2 southern motorway. Take the Pinggau exit, and continue to Haideggendorf. At the roundabout, take the third exit (Steinamangerer Strasse/B63). Turn right onto Wechsel Strasse/B54. Turn left onto Mönichkirchen and follow the road. Continue through Mönichkirchner Schwaig/Schaueregg and Neustift am Alpenwald. Continue to Mariensee. Drive through the town to the valley head/biotope car park.
Parking
Mariensee: The biotope car park at the valley head; parking spaces on the right.
From the railway station in Wiener Neustadt, take a regional train (final destination Aspang-Markt), and alight at the terminus. Take a taxi to the starting point, or catch the number 1764 bus (final destination Mariensee Almbauer), and alight at Mariensee Gasthaus Haidbauer. From there, the starting point is approx. 40 minutes on foot.
More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Author's tip
Combine your hike with a stay in the Wechsel region. For example, at the Frühstückspension Koderholt guest house or the Alpengasthof Enzian hotel (both on the Mönichkirchner Schwaig). Don't forget to take the Vienna Alps Viewer – in its practical, hand-held format – with you on your tour!
