Hiking Tour: From “Payerbach” to “Puchberg” via “Knofeleben” & “Krummbachstein”

Scenic route from Payerbach to Puchberg via Knofeleben and Krummbachstein offering a stunning view towards Schneeberg

The tour starts at the train station Payerbach and first uses the Mariensteig to hike up to the Knofeleben hut. After a well-deserved break, the tour then follows the small but scenic trail up to Krummbachstein. The peak offers a stunning view towards Schneeberg and the Rax, the famous Salamander cog railway and the Elisabeth Kirche. Following the Schiblsteig trail first west and then by turning left north, leads then to the Krummbachsattel and further to the tracks of the Salamander cog railway. Following the trail along its track leads directly to the train station of Puchberg am Schneeberg which is the end of the tour.

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the train station Payerbach, and follow the trail starting west of the train station (opposite the parking).
00:05	U-turn right into the street, follow the street for a few meters and then U-turn left into the red-marked trail 834 towards Knofeleben.
00:25	At the crossing, keep straight and follow the red-marked trail towards Knofeleben (see signpost).
00:50	Continue the ascent by using the Mariensteig. The slightly exposed parts are well protected using iron cables.
01:10	At the crossing, keep left and now follow the yellow marked trail towards Knofeleben.
01:55	Turn left and continue following the yellow marked trail towards Knofeleben.
02:00	Well deserved break ( ) at Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben.
03:00	Continue following the trail northwestwards towards Krummbachstein (see signposts).
03:10	At the crossing, keep right and follow the scenic trail up to Krummbachstein (see signpost).
04:05	Enjoy the awesome and scenic view from the top of Krummbachstein, obviously best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment ().
04:35	Continue following the yellow marked trail Schiblsteig now eastwards, first passing by the Naturfreundehütte (not serviced!).
04:50	At the crossing, turn left and descend using the red-marked marked trail towards Krummbachsattel.
05:05	At the crossing at Krummbachsattel, keep straight and ascent again northwards.
05:20	At the crossing, turn right and follow the green-marked trail towards Hst. Baumgarten (see signpost).
05:35	At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail below the cog railway track towards Hst. Baumgarten.
05:40	Well deserved break ( ) at Haltestelle Baumgarten.
06:40	Continue following the green-marked Bahnwanderweg westwards along the cog railway track.
07:40	At the crossing, keep straight (stay on the left hand-side of the railway track) and continue following the green-marked Bahnwanderweg towards Puchberg.
08:05	When entering Puchberg, continue following the marked Bahnwanderweg (on the left hand-side of the railway track).
08:15	Cross the track and follow the trail that leads directly towards the train station of Puchberg.
08:20	Approaching the train station of Puchberg, end of the tour.

At a glance

Level	moderate – difficult
Technique
Shape / Fitness
Experience
Scenery
Best time in the year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

General Tour Data

Area:		Wiener Alpen, Lower Austria, Austria
Distance:		21km
Ascent:		1254m (1h 50min)
Descent:		1160m (2h 10min)
Highest Pt:		1603m
Lowest Pt:		482m
Duration:		6h 00min (without breaks) 8h 20min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben (1250m) Buchtelwirt / Haltestelle Baumgarten (1322m) Hengsthütte (1018m) Gasthof Schmirl (608m)
Equipment:		Comfortable hiking shoes Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and plenty of water 1x Gipfelbier () Sun & Weather protection Camera