Regional Route N is from Preintal to the Rax via Nasswald. 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 pioneering spirit of lumberjacks, a sense of remoteness, and fascinating views including the Ötscher summit characterise this route. Interesting aspects include the Preinmühle, remnants of the Preinbachtal log flume, and the lumberjack colony in Naßwald. This was where Georg Hubmer, the “King of the Rax”, worked. In addition, you can frequently see the wells for the 1st Viennese Aqueduct, which supplies large parts of Vienna with excellent drinking water. From the Habsburgshaus, the Viennese Alps trail continues to Prein an der Rax or to Reichenau an der Rax.
Starting point of the tour
Preinmühle
Destination point of the tour
Habsburghaus auf der Rax
Route description WAB - Regional Route N: Preintal - Habsburghaus
Regional Route N starts in Preintal an der Preinmühle and takes us right up to the Rax. Before reaching the Preinbachbrücke, we switch from a paved road to a gravel road heading towards Nasswald (marked in red). Whilst we initially start on the left-hand side of the fast-flowing Preinbach stream, we quickly change sides and follow this path for half-an-hour. When level with a hut we don't instantly follow the cart track uphill, but keep left and cross the Preinbach over a wooden bridge. The gravel track takes us directly to Nasswald, and we continue on past the power station, follow the road to Gasthaus Raxkönig and hike along the road in the direction of Hinternasswald. Upon reaching a wooden bridge blocked off with barriers, we switch from a paved road and veer left over the Nassbach towards the Habsburghaus via Schüttersteig (marked in red). To start with, we follow the route along a forest road before turning left onto a hiking trail. From this point, we now follow the Schüttersteig along some steep ascents. After this steep climb it is an enjoyable traipse to the Schütterhütte cabin, at which we turn right to head towards the Habsburgshaus. We follow the hiking trail uphill partially on forest roads or meadow paths until we come to a crossroads of forest paths on a slight downhill stretch. The Peter-Jokel-Steig veers off to the right, we turn left and cross the Stögerboden. The ascent from Kaisersteig joins another track, we continue to climb the Zikafahnlgraben and see the Habsburgshaus on top of a rock on the right. A few minutes later, we are at the quaint mountain cabin and enjoy the fact that we have reached the end of Regional Route N. We are now on the Viennese Alps trail and can go downhill to Payerbach via the Otto-Schutzhaus, or head in the other direction to Prein via the Schlangenweg.
Directions
If you are travelling from Vienna via the A2 take the Wöllersdorf exit, and then continue on the B21 to Gutenstein. After going through the location continue on Klostertalstraße towards Vois and Schwarzau/Gebirge. Turn right onto the B27, then when in Schwarzau, go left over the river into Preintal, and fo
If you are travelling from Graz via the A6 then change to the B27 heading towards Schwarzau/Gebirge when you reach the Gloggnitz exit. Afterwards, continue as if travelling from Vienna.
Parking
No official car parks are available around the Preinmühle. The next official car park is in the centre of Schwarzau/Gebirge.
Travelling with public transport is difficult. The next bus stop in Schwarzau im Gebirge is an hour’s walk away. Trains regularly depart from Wiener Neustadt station to Payerbach-Reichenau. Continue with the bus to Schwarzau im Gebirge. Nasswald, which is on this route, can also be reached via Payerbach-Reichenau station and then continuing with the 1746 regional bus (in the direction of Rohr im Gebirge or Schwarzau im Gebirge).
More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Author's tip
Combine this regional route with route O (Edelweißhütte – Preintal), and possibly with an overnight stay in Schwarzau/Gebirge or Preintal.
