Top 9 Gorges around Payerbach

The most significant canyon-like attraction near Payerbach is the dramatic Höllental (Hell's Valley), carved by the Schwarza River between the Schneeberg and Rax mountains. Within this region, you can explore trails like the 1st Vienna Water Pipeline Trail (Wasserleitungsweg) – Höllental, the challenging Weichtal Gorge, and the scenic Mariensteig Trail.

Yes, the 1st Vienna Water Pipeline Trail (Wasserleitungsweg) – Höllental is generally considered an easy to intermediate path suitable for families. It offers beautiful views along the Schwarza River. The Mariensteig Trail is also described as a well-secured and rather easy path that can be walked by experienced children, even for those with a fear of heights, thanks to its wire rope safety features.

The Höllental offers a wild and romantic natural experience. You'll encounter dramatic cliffs, pristine mountain forests, and the crystal-clear Schwarza River. The river is known for its pure, cold water and is a source for Vienna's drinking water. There are also impressive rock formations and various viewpoints, such as the 'Höllental-Aussicht' at 1,620 m altitude, offering spectacular gorge views.

The region has interesting historical elements. The 1st Vienna Water Pipeline Trail (Wasserleitungsweg) – Höllental follows the historic pipeline that supplies Vienna with drinking water. Additionally, in the Eng Gorge, you can find the remains of a Historic timber chute, a reconstructed part of a large wooden transport system once used to bring timber down the valley.

The Höllental and surrounding gorges are beautiful throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn, when hiking trails are clear and water activities are enjoyable. Summer weekends also offer the unique experience of the museum narrow-gauge Höllental Railway operating from Payerbach station.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Weichtal Gorge is a demanding route with wet and slippery sections, secured with ladders and chains, requiring sturdy shoes. The Teufelsbadstubensteig via ferrata is another option, offering a scenic climbing route (category B) with ladders, a cave, and constant views over the Höllental.

Beyond exploring the gorges, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes in the Rax-Schneeberg group. The Schwarza River is suitable for swimming, wild water kayaking (WW I-III), and fly fishing. There are also many cycling and road cycling routes available around Payerbach.

Payerbach-Reichenau train station serves as a convenient access point to the Höllental. Public bus lines run through the valley, making it possible to reach various trailheads and attractions without a car.

Sturdy shoes are a must, especially for routes like the Weichtal Gorge, which can be wet and slippery. For the Weichtal Gorge, long trousers are recommended due to overgrown sections, and a headlamp can be useful for caves. If you plan to tackle via ferratas, appropriate climbing gear is essential.

While many outdoor areas in Austria are dog-friendly, specific trails may have restrictions or challenging sections. For example, the 1st Vienna Water Pipeline Trail (Wasserleitungsweg) – Höllental has sections with lattice parts and lattice stairs that might be difficult for some dogs, so be prepared for this.

Visitors highly appreciate the scenic beauty and tranquility of the Höllental, with its impressive rock formations, lush forests, and the clear Schwarza River. The diverse hiking opportunities, from easy riverside walks to challenging climbs, and the historical insights provided by features like the water pipeline and timber chute, also contribute to a rewarding experience.