Wechsel

The Wechsel is a low mountain range in eastern Austria, forming part of the Prealps East of the Mur. It marks the border between Lower Austria and Styria for about 15 kilometres, lying southeast of the Semmering and northeast of the Graz Basin. The range stretches between the Feistritz Saddle and the Wechsel Pass, with its highest summit, the Hochwechsel, reaching 1,743 metres. Two other peaks, the Umschußriegel and the Schöberlriegel, also exceed 1,700 metres. The Wetterkoglerhaus, an Alpine Club hut, stands at the top of the Hochwechsel, offering a base for hikers. The Wechsel separates the Styrian Joglland from the Bucklige Welt, a region that extends from the Vienna Basin to the far southeast of Lower Austria. To the east, the landscape transitions into the Pinka valley and the Pannonian Plain. Several settlements lie at the foot of the mountains, including Aspang, Friedberg, and Vorau, which benefit from tourism linked to the range. Others, such as Mönichkirchen and Sankt Corona am Wechsel, are popular starting points for walks and winter sports. Visitors find well-marked paths along the crest, where views stretch across the surrounding countryside. The Wetterkoglerhaus provides shelter and refreshments for those tackling the summits. Lower slopes are covered in forests and meadows, ideal for gentle rambles. The region’s quiet villages offer a chance to experience rural life in the foothills. The contrast between alpine ridges and the flatter lands to the east makes the Wechsel a distinctive landscape.