Alpannonia® - long-distance trail: Semmering - Bad Schönau

We start at the valley station of the Bergbahn Semmering. The path partly leads us over the ski slope to the Hirschenkogel (1,340 m) to the Liechtenstein house. Now the alpannonia® marking leads us to the Sonnwendstein (1,523 m) with the Polleres hut and the architecturally interesting mountain chapel.
Tip: A delight is the magnificent view of the mountains of the Vienna Alps!

From the Sonnwendstein back, we follow the alpannonia® marking further past the Erzkogel (1,504 m) and the Alpkogel (1,414 m). Along the wine trail or Gebirgsjäger memorial trail, there is information and evidence of the last war actions of the 2nd World War.

It continues to the Feistritzsattel (1,290 m). Here begins the 7 km long regional route to Trattenbach (overnight accommodation possible).

Back on the main trail, the long-distance trail 02 with the alpannonia® marking leads us to Mönichkirchen. Initially a bit steep, the path continues on comfortable forest roads. The beautiful alpine meadows already indicate the Schwaigen landscape of the Wechsel region. Time for rest and relaxation is offered by the Wetterkogelhaus on the Hochwechsel (1,743 m), a hut managed by the Austrian Alpine Club.
Tip: From here, with good visibility, the entire alpannonia® main trail can be overlooked.

From Hochwechsel, it goes over Niederwechsel (1,669 m) and Steinerne Stiege, leading the route to Mönichkirchen, where the second stage ends.

Through the town of Mönichkirchen, the marking leads partly over paved paths but with wonderful views to the small village of Schlag. We continue past Ziegersberg Castle to Pichl and from there through cool, shady forest paths to Hochneukirchen. Without much effort, the very popular excursion destination Hutwisch (896 m) can be reached, whose observation tower offers a wonderful panoramic view over the Alps to Hungary. From here, it is only 6 km on the regional route to the stage destination of Bad Schönau.

Wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. Remember rain and sun protection. Bring enough to drink.

Always take suitable maps with you. Put on sturdy shoes suitable for the route, bring sun and rain protection, as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140

Please pay attention to the weather report! Especially in the Hochwechsel - Niederwechsel area, strong gusts of wind can occur even in good weather. Weatherproof clothing is an absolute must. It should also be noted that fog can suddenly form in this section.

Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your experience and fitness level. Inform yourself about the weather forecast beforehand. Weather in the mountains can change surprisingly fast. Therefore, always set out properly equipped (e.g. rain protection).

Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit are open. Inform someone about your route choice and your planned return before setting off.

Coming on the Südautobahn A2 from Vienna or Graz, turn off at the Seebenstein junction onto the S6 towards Semmering - exit Maria Schutz/Semmering

At the Maria Schutz exit, continue on Semmering Pass Road towards the town of Semmering. At the pass summit roundabout, continue towards the parking lot of the valley station Bergbahn Zau[ber:]g Semmering.

Coming by ÖBB from Vienna, change in Wiener Neustadt towards Payerbach-Reichenau. Change once more there towards Mürzzuschlag.
Coming from Graz, change in Mürzzuschlag: direction Payerbach-Reichenau. Destination station: Semmering.
The valley station of the cable car is reachable within a few minutes' walk from the station. 

From the end point of the hike in Hochneukirchen back at Semmering, the ÖBB train connections from Bad Schönau via Wiener Neustadt run at regular intervals.

More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at

www.alpannonia.at

www.wieneralpen.at

Pay attention to and enjoy the views along the route.