Regional Route H heads over the Schwaigen on the Wechsel to Kirchberg. The Regional Routes are part of the network of paths making up the Viennese Alps (WAB) route. Hikes along these routes lead you to unique views and also insights. The Regional Routes are linked to the network of paths making up the Viennese Alps route. This results in circular hikes in conjunction with the long-distance path.
Description
The Schwaigen and the descent from the mountaintop to the valley is a key feature of this stretch. For prolonged spells, this route goes downhill. The Kranichberger Schwaig and Steyersberger Schwaig with their lush mountain pastures appear like oases in the forest and are therefore quite the experience. For example, the Geister-Baum (ghost tree) can be found here. It appears like a ghostly hand against the sky in dense coniferous forest. The Schwaigen are central parts of this landscape and have been forested for generations. They are still sites of rural pioneering. The historic village of Kirchberg is the end of the tour, and is the spiritual centre of the area.
Starting point of the tour
Kranichberger Schwaig
Destination point of the tour
Kirchberg / Wechsel municipal office
Route description WAB - Regional Route H: Kranichberger Schwaig - Kirchberg/Wechsel
Rax, Sonnwendstein, Schneeberg. We can hardly get enough of the Kranichberger Schwaig; the view at the start of Regional Route H is splendid. However, our first target is another Schwaig. After going downhill slightly, we reach a gravel track and follow this northwards towards Steyersberger Schwaig (also marked in red). For the most part, the route goes downhill to Steyersberger Schwaig, a starting and meeting point for cross-country skiers in winter. We go past the Schwaig on the left and choose the right-hand fork, which goes downhill slightly in the direction of Kirchschlag. The path below the cables is extremely pleasant with lots of shadow and is largely slightly downhill. It has several waterways and the ghost tree also appears here. Many paths cross this hiking route, but we always remain on the designed route to Kirchberg. The descent down towards Kreuzbauern is somewhat steeper, and we continue along a track. After a sharp left-hand bend, we turn right from the track and wander downhill along a meadow path (marked in red) which soon goes down the right-hand side of a forest. We continue to descend towards Kirchberg, get to the edge of the village, and head further into it along the Postbach stream. At this point, we come across a road, cross the Feistritz on our right and soon reach the centre of Kirchberg am Wechsel.
It is possible to stay overnight at Gasthof Grüner Baum or to take the bus back either to Gloggnitz station or Aspang Markt station. Regional Route F is from Kirchberg to Grimmenstein and Maria Schnee, whilst Route G finishes at Mönichkirchner Schwaig and the destination of Route I is Maria Schutz.
Directions
Kranichberger Schwaig cannot be reached directly by car. Drive up to the car park in Feistritz Saddle and then continue by foot to Kranichberger Schwaig. If you are travelling from Vienna take the A2 towards Wiener Neustadt, then change to the S6 as far as the Gloggnitz exit. Continue through Raach am Hochgebirge, Otterthal, and Trattenbach and up to Feistritz Saddle. If travelling from Graz take the B72 via hamlets on Feistritzsattelstraße to the Feistritz Saddle.
Parking
Car parking is available at Feistritz Saddle car park.
Kranichberger Schwaig cannot be reached directly by public transport. It is recommended to combine this Regional Route with Route 8 from Mönichkirchen - Feistritz Saddle on the Viennese Alps trail. Take the train via Wiener Neustadt to Aspang Markt. Then take the bus from there to Mönichkirchen. Alternatively, it is possible to take a taxi to Feistritz Saddle from Gloggnitz railway station.
More information at www.oebb.at
Author's tip
Overnight stays are possible in Kirchberg am Wechsel at Gasthof Grüner Baum.
