Rax-Schneeberg Group

The Rax-Schneeberg Group is a mountain range in the Northern Limestone Alps, straddling the border between Styria and Lower Austria. It forms part of the Eastern Alps as classified by the Alpine Club. The range is bounded by valleys and rivers, including the Sierning to the northeast and the Schwarza to the south. The area is known for its limestone peaks and alpine meadows. The highest summits are the Klosterwappen at 2,076 metres and the Kaiserstein at 2,061 metres, both in Lower Austria. The Rax massif includes the Heukuppe at 2,007 metres and the Scheibwaldhöhe at 1,943 metres. The Schneeberg and Rax are protected as part of Vienna’s water source area and a special conservation zone. They are also known as Vienna’s local mountains. Visitors find well-marked trails from Puchberg am Schneeberg and the Höllental valley. The Schneeberg Railway, a cog railway, climbs to 1,800 metres, making the peaks accessible. Routes lead over the Hengst or through the Fadenwände to the twin summits. The alpine huts provide shelter and views across the surrounding valleys. The contrast between rugged peaks and gentle meadows offers varied scenery.