From Preiner Gscheid via the ‘Kleine Fuchsloch’ to the Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
The route starts either from Preiner Gscheid or (access only possible Wednesday to Sunday) from Gasthaus Moassa, leading to the base of the Raxenmäuer. From there, follow the trail to the right of the red-marked 'Großes Fuchsloch' (in the direction of ascent). The path is partly quite exposed and leads up to the high plateau. Along the way, you’ll encounter several enjoyable climbing sections as well as steep grassy slopes, which can be tricky and slippery in wet conditions.
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We start either at Preiner Gscheid or from Gasthaus Moassa (access possible Wednesday to Sunday; an excellent excursion inn), and follow well-marked trails: from Preiner Gscheid via the yellow-marked Reissthalersteig and, shortly after the unstaffed Reissthalerhütte, along the red-marked trail toward Fuchsloch; or from GH Moassa via the red-marked Fuchslochsteig — all the way to the base of the Raxenmäuer.
At the signposts (entry to Großes Fuchsloch), we do not follow the marked Fuchslochsteig straight ahead, but instead head right and upward, eastward, into a large cirque. At the base of the wall is a red survey mark with the number 25. Further up to the right, a slab-like rock formation becomes visible (some faded trail markings can still be seen). This slab formation marks the continuation of the route.
Pleasant and easy climbing leads us upward into another wide cirque. Always keep slightly to the right, ascending over several rock steps to reach a broad, grassy ridge.
From here, veer slightly left and soon reach the high plateau (often still snow-covered well into summer).
To the left of the snowfield, the route leads almost directly to the summit: Heukuppe (featuring a large monument; the actual summit lies a few meters further west, at 2,007 m).
From the summit, there are several descent options: either via the secured Reissthalersteig, the also secured Gretchensteig, or the broad Schlangenweg back to Preiner Gscheid. If your car is parked at GH Moassa, you can return via the easy Altenbergersteig.
Descending via the Großes Fuchsloch is not recommended.
For the descent, several options are available:
The classic Reissthalersteig and the Gretchensteig (both equipped with fixed cables), or for a more relaxed descent, the broad Schlangenweg.
In any case, a visit to the Karl Ludwig House (a certified organic mountain hut) and the Waxriegelhaus is highly recommended.
If you started your hike from Gasthaus Moassa, then of course this cozy inn is the perfect spot to enjoy a well-deserved rest and refreshment after your tour.
Nature Park Taxi – Mürzer Oberland:
Tel. +43 3857 20170, www.naturparktaxi.at
Public transport:
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB): www.oebb.at
Regional transport network Styria: www.busbahnbim.at
With the BusBahnBim app from the regional transport network, planning your journey has never been easier: Simply enter a place, address, stop, or point of interest to get all available connections by bus, train, or tram throughout Austria.
The app is available free of charge for smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and in the App Store.
There is a large parking area at Preiner Gscheid, but it can still fill up quickly on nice days. Please do not block the access road to the Waxriegelhaus, as it also serves as an emergency access route!
If starting from Gasthaus Moassa, there is also a spacious parking area available – however, access is only permitted from Wednesday to Sunday!
Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office
Tel. +43 3857 8321, www.muerzeroberland.at
Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tourism Association Hochsteiermark
Tel. +43 3862 55020, www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark
Mountain, hiking, and nature park guides:
For information, please contact the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park Office, Tel. +43 3857 8321
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