Winter walk in the Reichenau villa district

You start at the Reichenau municipal office at the Rax and walk along Schulgasse, then turn left into Badgasse. The next alley turns right into Johann-Reifböck-Gasse, passing the first heated outdoor pool of the monarchy before turning left onto Hans Wallner Street. Now take a right into Alleegasse and stroll among majestic trees. Then continue left along Eichengasse to the cross. There you enter a forest path (signpost: Speckbacherhütte via langen Rain). Note that it can be icy in places here. Through the trees and bushes, you can catch views of Rothschild Castle and numerous villas. At the end of the path, turn right onto Wartholzstraße, passing Schloss Wartholz. At the roundabout, turn right back into Schulgasse, past the war memorial before turning left along Hans Wallner Street towards Reichenau Castle. Cross the main road and the Schwarza River, pass Café Nöbauer, the castle, and the parish church, and continue along Thalhofstraße. The route passes Rudolfsvilla up to the view of the impressive Thalhof. Now you see a small path to the right that crosses Schneedörfelstraße and leads to the spa park. The spa park lies directly in front of the Reichenau municipal office.

Pay attention to suitable equipment on the route with sturdy winter shoes and waterproof clothing and headgear. Bring water and a snack. Take appropriate maps and your mobile phone with you. Save the emergency number for mountain rescue (140) and the EU emergency number (112).

Drink enough water even in winter.

Caution, this winter hiking trail may not be completely cleared in snowy conditions and can have slippery spots. Use at your own risk!

Especially in winter, special caution applies when moving in the mountains. Make sure your chosen route matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly and rapidly. Always start appropriately equipped (e.g., hat, gloves…). Keep in mind that it gets dark as early as 4:00 pm in winter.

Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit along the way are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and planned return before you start.

By car, Reichenau is reachable from Vienna or Graz via the A2 South Motorway to Seebenstein junction and the S6 Semmering expressway to the Gloggnitz exit in about one hour.

Take the train to Payerbach-Reichenau station and then the regional bus 341 or 342 to Reichenau. Or conveniently take the RUFbus Semmering-Rax to stop 30 (supermarket parking Spar), which is directly opposite the municipal office.

Parking spaces are available in the parking lane in front of the municipal office and next to the spa park.

More info:

Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Reichenau Tourist Office tourismus@reichenau.at, +43 2666 / 52865

There you can also get suitable brochures.

Enjoy a hot chocolate and homemade pastries at Café Nöbauer or the Parkcafe.