Rax cable car

In just 8 minutes, Austria’s most traditional cable car climbs 1,000 metres in altitude and opens up to a hiker’s paradise on the Alpine high plateau.

The 34 km² large, picturesque Karst plateau with numerous rustic huts has been accessible by the Rax cable car since 1926. As early as at the beginning of the 20th century, many routes leading through fragrant mountain pine fields and exciting climbs were created by the first Alpine clubs.

Arriving at the mountain station with the mountain inn at 1,546 m above sea level, hiking on the Rax involves a network of high Alpine trails. The mostly flat, well-marked trails enable hikers of all levels to enjoy summits with picture-perfect panoramic views.

In the footsteps of great thinkers

The Rax mountain range has fascinated intellectual giants such as Sigmund Freud or Viktor Frankl, and not to mention numerous literary greats as a summer retreat. Most of the time, they ascended on a weekly basis and stayed in one of the traditional huts – the sense of flair so prominent at the turn of the century can still be felt today.

Getting there: so close!

The valley station in Reichenau an der Rax can be reached quickly via the Semmering motorway or by train & bus via the Südbahn railway line via Wiener Neustadt. We particularly recommend the journey by public transport, which is made possible by the Sommerfrische-Ticket which is combined with the lift ticket at a favourable price.

5 variations of hut hopping are available to choose from. Huts with overnight accommodation make extended tours possible – Untouched landscape, unique panorama and an almost kitschy ambience make this classic mountain tour unforgettable – order free info folder now!

Mountain huts on the Rax: here you will find the finest delicacies on the most beautiful sun terraces or in the cosiest parlours:

• Berggasthof (mountain station of the Rax cable car with comfortable overnight accommodation)
• Ottohaus (complete with viewing platform and Alpine garden, detour to the “Höllentalaussicht”, also accessible via Törlweg from the valley)
• Seehütte (currently not managed, near Trinksteinsattel and the legendary “Preinerwand”)
• Karl Ludwig Haus (near the Heukuppe – at 2,003m above sea level the highest peak, also accessible via the “Schlangenweg” trail from the Preiner Gscheid)
• Waxriegelhaus (first hut on the ascent from Preiner Gscheid)
• Habsburghaus (unique location on the quieter north side of the Rax)

An interactive “audio game adventure” in the nature and adventure trail app invites you to discover the Rax mountain range, and rounds off a truly unique mountain experience.

Breathtaking views and challenging rock formations will make the climber’s heart beat faster. When climbing on the Rax, there are numerous secured via ferratas – and no matter which route is chosen, adrenaline kicks with a phenomenal panorama are guaranteed.

The Rax cable car, which opened in 1926, is renovated at regular intervals and is truly state-of-the-art (e.g. barrier-free). Online tickets are conveniently available on the website of the Raxseilbahn .