Via the Schlangenweg to the Rax in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
The classic hiking route on the Styrian side of the Rax. From Preiner Gscheid, the trail leads via the Karl Ludwig Haus to the 2,007 m high Heukuppe.
The descent offers several route variations and includes a rest stop at Waxriegelhaus.
It is undoubtedly one of the most famous tours on Vienna’s local mountain, the Rax, and certainly the best-known ascent on the Styrian side of this range.
Wide paths and well-maintained trails lead to one of the easternmost 2,000-meter peaks in the Alps. The summit panorama stretches from the Hungarian Plain and Lake Neusiedl to the Tauern, Karawanken, and Gesäuse.
However, in foggy conditions, the final section from Karl Ludwig Haus to Heukuppe is not recommended.
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From Preiner Gscheid, the well-marked trail first leads over a former ski slope to the impressive Siebenbrunnenkessel. High above, we can see the summit of Predigtstuhl, while to our right, the Waxriegelhaus comes into view.
However, we continue diagonally left uphill until we reach the clearly visible Karlgraben. From there, we turn right and ascend in several switchbacks via the wide and newly renovated (June 2019) Schlangenweg until we reach a steel chain.
At this point, do not follow the chain but keep to the right toward the so-called Törl. From here, it is just a few minutes left and uphill to reach the Karl Ludwig Haus.
The ascent to the 2,007 m high Heukuppe continues directly westward across the wide plateau (orientation can be difficult in fog!). It takes about 20–30 minutes to reach the Heukuppe from the Ludwig Haus. The path is technically easy and not particularly steep.
For the return route, we follow the same path down. After a break at Karl Ludwig Haus, we either descend along the chain (steep) or take the original ascent route back to the Waxriegelhaus. From there, it’s about a 30-minute descent to Preiner Gscheid.
Both the Waxriegelhaus and the Karl Ludwig Haus (a certified organic establishment) are highly recommended mountain huts offering magnificent views.
After the tour, on hot summer days, a refreshing swim at the Urani Freizeitteich is a great way to cool off!
Nature Park Taxi in the Mürzer Oberland Nature Park
Tel.: +43 3857 20170
Website: www.naturparktaxi.at
ÖBB: www.oebb.at
Verbundlinie Steiermark: www.busbahnbim.at
With the BusBahnBim App from Verbundlinie, checking timetables has never been easier: All connections by bus, train, and tram in Austria can be searched by entering locations and/or addresses, stops, or key points. The app is available for free for smartphones (Android, iOS) on Google Play and in the App Store.
Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland
Tel.: +43 3857 8321
Website: www.muerzeroberland.at
Open: Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 12:00
Tourism Association Hochsteiermark
Tel.: +43 3862 55020
Website: www.steiermark.com/hochsteiermark
Mountain, Hiking, and Nature Park Guides
For information, contact the Nature Park Office Mürzer Oberland
Tel.: +43 3857 8321
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