We start at the main square Mariazell and turn right into Wiener Neustädter Straße. Pass the office of the tourist association and at the One-World-Shop (closed) turn into Schießstattgasse.
At the next junction keep right - direction Viktor Lang Gasse - from now on the path is signposted 693. After about 30 minutes we pass the Stehralm (no longer managed!) and enjoy the magnificent view of Mariazell.Follow the forest paths to the Hohlenstein junction and turn left here, following the signposts to "Bürgeralpe/Edelweißhütte".
Always uphill we reach the foot of the crystal lake, here turn right and at the end of the lake left towards Edelweißhütte.
If you are still fit enough, visit the Erzherzog Johann Warte and you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains.
Continue to the mountain inn and take the new Bürgeralpe-Express back to Mariazell - or walk back to Mariazell on trail 694.