Rax

The Rax is a mountain range in the Northern Limestone Alps on the border of Lower Austria and Styria. Its highest point is the Heukuppe at 2,007 metres. The range forms part of the Wiener Hausberge, the traditional local mountains for Vienna and Lower Austria. It is separated from the nearby Schneeberg by the deep Höllental valley. The Rax plateau sits at about 1,500 metres and is reached by the Raxseilbahn cable car from Hirschwang. The Rax has been a centre for mountaineering and hiking since the late 19th century. Austrian Alpine Clubs built and still maintain a network of alpine huts and marked trails. These include the Ottohaus, Gloggnitzer Hut, Habsburg Haus and Karl Ludwig Haus. The routes range from gentle walks to challenging climbs, such as the Alpenvereinssteig and the Amaliensteig. Visitors find a high plateau with sweeping views, alpine meadows and rugged ridges. The huts provide simple overnight accommodation and meals. Well-known trails connect the huts and summits, including the Seeweg from Ottohaus to Neue Seehütte and the Gretchen Steig to Karl Ludwig Haus. The cable car station at 1,540 metres offers a starting point for exploration.