The 16th stage of the Viennese Alps route (WAB) is a heavily wooded hike along a crest at the top of the Dürre Wand. The highlight is the “summit” of Plattenstein, namely the Gauermannhütte cabin. This opens up a magnificent view towards Pernitz.
Description
The stage takes us from the Öhlerschutzhaus to Pernitz via the Dürre Wand and its two attractions, the Erzloch and Tablerhöhle caves. The route continues north to Plattenstein and a magnificent 360° view of the surrounding area can be seen from the Gauermannhütte vantage point. A very special location! The route continues to Pernitz via Waidmannsfeld.
Starting point of the tour
Öhler Schutzhaus
Destination point of the tour
Pernitz municipal office
Route description WAB - Stage 16: Öhler Schutzhaus - Pernitz
After a cordial farewell we continue along the Viennese Alps route, and today’s final destination is Pernitz. Heading out from Öhlerschutzhaus we gently ascend the marked Kammweg route into the forest, where there are few views of Katharinenschlag. From the eastern side of the highest part of the Dürre Wand, we frequently glimpse the Hohe Wand. Along with the Nordalpenweg route marked in red and the Piestingtaler Rundwanderweg route, meadow and forest paths take us slightly downhill towards the Gauermannhütte cabin on rocky Plattenstein (open on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays). We continue along the stunning Kammweg route in a north-easterly direction, and then start descending when close to the Tablerhöhe summit. When on the saddle south of the Marterberg, we take the footpath on the right and follow this above the village of Ungerberg as far as a cart track. At this point we turn left, start ascending for a few metres before going downhill in a northerly direction, then keeping right on the cart track in the direction of Waidmannsfeld. At a small dip there’s an option to veer right to take the forest road to Michlwirt. We continue along the Viennese Alps Way. About ten minutes later we turn left near the edge of the forest and descend along the meadow and over the Waidmannsbach stream to reach the road near Waidmannsfeld. Upon reaching this point, we keep left then soon veer right onto Auweg and hike along hiking trails to Ochsenheide that are marked out in blue. We then come across the road connecting Pernitz and Waidmannsfeld and follow it for 500 metres in a northerly direction. After coming across a car park we switch over to a forest path and take a short cut from the road, but come back to the road before reaching Neusiedl. We follow Hauptstraße through the village and soon reach the B21 at Pernitz. Pernitz-Muggendorf railway station can be seen on the right, whilst the village centre and municipal office are also on the right after briefly following the B21.
Directions
The Öhlerschutzhaus is in alpine surroundings and can only be reached directly on foot.
If you are coming from Vienna or Graz, take the A2 as far as the exit at Wiener Neustadt West. Take the B26 to Puchberg am Schneeberg.
Parking
Car parking is available in Losenheim at the Schneeberg chairlift car park, as well as in Puchberg/Schneeberg.
The Öhler Schutzhaus is in alpine surroundings and cannot be reached directly with public transport.
It is recommended to combine this hike either with the previous Edelweißhütte-Öhlerschutzhaus route or the subsequent Öhlerschutzhaus-Pernitz route. Take the train or bus via Wiener Neustadt to Puchberg railway station. Continue from there with the 1720 regional bus to Losenheim, then change buses and travel until the Sesselbahn stop. The Schneeberg chairlift takes you very close to the Edelweißhütte. Alternatively, you can directly ascend from Puchberg/Schneeberg to the Öhlerschutzhaus.
More information at www.oebb.at
Author's tip
You can rest and stay the night at the Öhler Schutzhaus, whilst the Gauermannhütte is managed at weekends.
Combine your hike with an overnight stay at the Tirolerhof in Pernitz.
