From the Ötscher to Lake Lunz

From the highest mountain in the Mostviertel to the largest natural swimming lake in Lower Austria. And further along the nostalgic railway and into the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. The Ybbstal Alps live.

The first few metres downhill from Lackenhof present a wonderful natural spectacle in the forest. The route runs parallel to the water - the River Ois to be precise - to Lunz am See and a detour along the lake to the castle tavern. Back in Lunz, the route heads towards Pfaffenschlag, where a rhythmic, not too steep ascent winds along the stream through the valley. Partly right next to the tracks of the Ötscherland Express, the route descends quickly to Gaming, where you can admire the charterhouse on the Erlauftal cycle path.

This is followed by the most wooded section of the tour through the Ötscher Tormäuer Nature Park parallel to the Erlauf. You pass a number of beautiful bathing spots and the metres in altitude up to Raneck. After a slight descent, you reach the idyllic Lackenhof at the foot of the Ötscher, which towers high above the small village.

The route is NOT signposted as such!

From Lackenhof along the "Lunzer Strecke" in the direction of Lunz. Initially on the tarmac road, later on the other bank of the Ois via a gravel path until shortly before Lunz.

Cross a small bridge through the settlement to the lake and along the water to the Schlosstaverne (refreshments available). Back to the town and then along the Erlauftal cycle path towards Pfaffenschlag, along the nostalgic railway, first uphill and later downhill to Gaming with its charterhouse.

Continue along the Erlauftal cycle path to Kienberg and turn right after the old farmhouse towards Urmannsau/Nature Park. Past bathing areas, the Schindlhütte (refreshment stop) and the Eibenboden nature park entrance, the route later leads uphill on a gravel road to Raneck. From there it is another 3km downhill back to Lackenhof.