Hiking Tour: “Rax via Törlweg & Gsolhirnsteig”

Hike up the Rax to the Ottohaus via the “Törlweg” and descend via the “Gsolhirnsteig”

This tour starts at Hirschwang an der Rax. Parking can be done either at the valley station of the Raxseilbahn or on the parking next to the Sägewerk. After following a few meters the street (direction away from the cable car), the tour then ascents through nice trails in the wood following the Törlweg. This trail has some medium steep parts but leads directly to the Ottohaus which is the destination point of the tour.
After having a well-deserved break at the Ottohaus, the tour leads to the mountain station of the Raxseilbahn. The descent can be either done by taking the cable car or more sportive by taking the Gsolhirnsteig downards. This trail leads again into the beginning of the Törlweg which is then followed back to the parking.

Tour Description

00:00	Start at the parking lot Raxseilbahn (valley station of the cable car). Go back and follow the street away from the valley station.
00:03	Turn right into the Emil von Linhart-Gasse (a signpost “Otto Schutzhaus” shows the way).
00:04	Cross the river Schwarza via the Henriettenbrücke and stay on the Emil von Linhart-Gasse.
00:06	Take the trail (white-yellow-white) on the left handside (bypassing a house) through the wood.
00:28	Turn right, as indicated by the signpost Törlweg and follow the trail marked “white-red-white”.
00:46	Crossing with the Gsolhirnsteig. Stay on the trail (straight).
01:08	Short break at the Lammelbrünnl, a small source that serves cold drink water. Now the trail becomes steeper and more demanding but also allows great views.
02:08	Go through the Törl, a small cave. On the left handside you see already the Ottohaus.
02:15	Well deserved break and lunch at the Ottohaus ()..
03:10	Enjoy the view at the Vilma-Haid-Aussicht (behind the Ottohaus), allowing you a retrospective on the Törlweg.
03:18	At the Praterstern stay on the road heading right.
03:37	Turn left and bypass the Berggasthof (or take a small break there ()). Follow the trail marked “white-blue-white”.
03:48	At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail marked “white-blue-white” (Gsolhirnsteig).
04:35	After crossing again the Törlweg, follow the trail back to the parking.
05:10	Return at the parking.

At a glance

Level	easy-moderate
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:		Rax/Schneeberg Group, Lower Austria, Austria
Distance:		15km
Ascent:		1148m (2h 25min)
Descent:		1140m (1h 45min)
Highest Pt:		1650m
Lowest Pt:		511m
Duration:		4h 15min (without breaks) 5h 15min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		Ottohaus (1644m) or Berggasthof Rax (1545m)
Equipment:		Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and enough water Sun & Weather protection Camera