Schneeberg

The Schneeberg is a striking limestone massif in the Northern Calcareous Alps, straddling the border between Lower Austria and Styria. Rising to 2,076 metres at its summit, the Klosterwappen, it is the highest mountain in Lower Austria and the easternmost and northernmost Alpine peak above 2,000 metres. The mountain’s steep slopes on three sides make it one of Austria’s most prominent and isolated peaks. Its dramatic profile is visible from as far away as Vienna, 65 kilometres distant, and even from Bratislava and Brno on clear days. The Schneeberg and its neighbour the Rax, 13 kilometres to the south-west, are known as the Viennese Hausberge, the local mountains for the capital’s residents. The mountain plays a key role in supplying Vienna with drinking water. Since 1873, a 120-kilometre pipeline has carried water from the Karst plateaux of the Schneeberg and Rax, claimed to be among the world’s best. The Schneeberg Railway, now over a century old, climbs to 1,800 metres, cutting the walk to the summit to an hour or two. Walkers can also start from Puchberg am Schneeberg to the east or from Höllental in the south. For experienced hikers, the Fadensteig path offers a challenging ascent from the Edelweißhütte at 1,235 metres. The summit plateau is home to several mountain huts visited by thousands of walkers, climbers and mountain-bikers each year. The huts provide rest and refreshment after the climb. Skiers also use the slopes, including the famous Breite Ries run. The surrounding area offers routes for all levels, from gentle walks to steep ascents. The views from the top stretch across the Alps and far beyond on clear days.