geocalia
A footbridge on the path through the HöllentalJosef Moser · CC BY-SA 3.0

What to do · The Rax and Reichenau

Wasserleitungsweg, the aqueduct path through the Höllental

Route · 4 km · 1 h 30 · almost flat · from Hirschwang to Kaiserbrunn beside the water that Vienna drinks

Information
Duration
1 h 30
Distance
4.0 km
Season
Spring to autumn
Who it's for
Families; also by bus
With a dog
On a lead

Since 1998 a trail has followed through the Höllental the line of Vienna's first spring-water pipeline, the one that since the second half of the 19th century has carried water from the Rax and the Schneeberg to the city. It starts at Hirschwang, next to the cable car valley station, and reaches Kaiserbrunn beneath rock walls, beside the River Schwarza: about 4 km and an hour and a half almost on the flat. It is suitable for families and you can return by bus.

With young childrenAs a familyWith a dog

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The Ottohaus hut in summer, with its stone terrace full of walkers on the Rax plateau© Rax-SeilbahnA hut at 1,644 m, 40 minutes from the cable car

Ottohaus

Restaurant · Reichenau an der Rax · €€€€

What to order: a hot hut dish after the walk from the cable car.

In winter, weekends, public holidays and holidays in good weather · Closed from 16 November to 5 December 2026
The café building on Reichenau's main street, with its terrace and the Rax mountains in the background© Café-Konditorei ReichenauCakes and breakfasts on the main street

Café-Konditorei Reichenau

Café · Reichenau an der Rax · €€€€

What to order: a slice of Malakoff cake with coffee.

Hours depend on the season · Closed 16 to 26 November 2026

To stay nearby

The Rax Park 'n' Camp reception hut beside a campervan© RaxalpeCampervan area

Rax Park 'n' Camp

Next to the cable car station · Pitches with electricity · Tents too

Why we like it: A campervan area opened in 2020 next to the Rax-Seilbahn valley station, with pitches with electricity, space for tents, modern toilets and free wifi.

The Raxalm-Berggasthof on the Rax plateau, with its sunny terrace© RaxalpeMountain hut

Raxalm-Berggasthof

Next to the upper station · 1,547 m · 27 wooden rooms

Why we like it: A mountain inn next to the upper station of the Rax-Seilbahn, with 27 rooms of solid-wood furniture and a restaurant, for sleeping on the plateau.

The yellow facade of the Kaiserhof guesthouse, with balconies and a terrace beside the street© Land-Pension KaiserhofSmall hotel

Land-Pension Kaiserhof

Prein an der Rax · The Scharfegger family since 1973 · Renovated Swiss-pine rooms

Why we like it: A village guesthouse in Prein an der Rax, run by the Scharfegger family since 1973, with a history going back to the 18th century and renovated rooms in mountain style.

Itineraries

Features in these plans