Rax

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Rax

Mountain

Rax is a mountain range in eastern Austria, famous for a broad high plateau, classic alpine walking and rock climbing. Hikers and climbers come for the plateau trails, alpine huts and the historic cable car access.

Rax SchladmingLiezenTauplitzGesäuse National ParkEggenberg Palace, GrazAdmont AbbeyErzberg mineMariazell BasilicaRax

Rax essentials

Address: Hirschwang, Lower Austria, Austria

The Rax is a limestone mountain range in the Northern Limestone Alps on the border between Lower Austria and Styria. Its highest summit is the Heukuppe at 2,007 m and the range forms one side of the deep Höllental gorge that separates it from the nearby Schneeberg.

A distinctive feature is the broad, rocky plateau at roughly 1,500 m that is reached by the historic Raxseilbahn cable car from Hirschwang; construction of the line began in 1925. The plateau opens out into extensive walking terrain while steep flanks and limestone cliffs provide multi-pitch climbs and steep trail routes.

A network of marked steige (mountain trails) and several alpine huts - many built and maintained by Austrian Alpine Clubs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - give the Rax a classic, old-style alpine character. Visiting feels like a mix of plateau walking, ridge scrambling and hut-to-hut daytrips rather than a single summit push.

  • Heukuppe: The Rax’s highest point with panoramic views over the plateau and toward the Schneeberg and Vienna’s surrounding ranges.
  • Rax plateau: A broad, rocky high plateau ideal for easy ridge walks, wildflower meadows in summer and long views across the Eastern Alps.
  • Höllental (Hell Valley): The deep, wooded gorge between Rax and Schneeberg that frames dramatic approaches and steep climbs.
  • Raxseilbahn cable car: The historic cable car from Hirschwang that lifts visitors quickly to the Rax plateau without a long climb.
  • Alpine huts (Ottohaus, Karl Ludwig Haus): Traditional mountain huts on the plateau that serve as bases for day walks and overnight stays on multi-day routes.
  • Preiner Wand: A steep limestone wall on the southern side popular with climbers and dramatic to view from the plateau.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Rax#

The Rax has a cool, high-alpine climate with snowy winters and a wet summer season; trail and weather conditions vary strongly with elevation. For most walkers the hiking season runs from late spring to early autumn, while winter is for experienced winter-mountaineers or ski tourers only.

Late spring and early autumn (best)
May - June, September · 1°C - 12°C (34°F - 54°F)
Trails are generally open and the plateau is less crowded than midsummer, though snow can still linger at higher spots in late spring and conditions can be changeable.
Summer (popular, changeable)
July - August · 6°C - 14°C (43°F - 57°F)
Warmest period for high-elevation walking and alpine flowers, but expect frequent precipitation and afternoon thunderstorms - plan early starts for long routes.
Winter (for experienced parties)
December - February · -9°C - -2°C (16°F - 28°F)
Snow and cold dominate; routes become winter mountaineering or ski-touring terrain and require proper winter equipment and avalanche awareness.

Weather & Climate near Rax#

Climate

Rax's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1473 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -9° - -2° -13° 87 mm overcast 93% 6.3 m/s 0.1 low 8.8h
February Poor -9° - -2° -13° 84 mm overcast 91% 6.2 m/s 0.3 low 10.1h
March Poor -7° - 0° -10° 109 mm overcast 85% 5.9 m/s 0.5 moderate 11.8h
April Poor -4° - 3° -6° 118 mm overcast 78% 5.5 m/s 0.9 moderate 13.5h
May Poor 1° - 10° 2° 131 mm overcast 78% 5.0 m/s 1.2 high 14.9h
June Poor 4° - 12° 5° 164 mm overcast 76% 4.6 m/s 1.5 high 15.7h
July Acceptable 6° - 15° 10° 172 mm partly cloudy 73% 4.8 m/s 1.5 very high 15.3h
August Acceptable 6° - 15° 10° 152 mm partly cloudy 74% 4.6 m/s 1.3 high 14.1h
September Acceptable 3° - 11° 4° 129 mm partly cloudy 80% 5.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 12.4h
October Poor -1° - 7° -2° 104 mm partly cloudy 86% 5.9 m/s 0.4 low 10.7h
November Poor -5° - 1° -8° 113 mm overcast 91% 6.1 m/s 0.2 low 9.2h
December Poor -8° - -2° -12° 110 mm overcast 92% 6.3 m/s 0.1 low 8.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Rax#

The Rax is most commonly accessed from the Vienna region; the nearest local gateway village is Hirschwang (the Raxseilbahn lower station). Major nearby towns include Reichenau an der Rax and Payerbach, both served by regional trains from Vienna.

Fly into Vienna International Airport and continue by rail or car toward the Semmering/Reichenau corridor - the scenic Semmering Railway runs nearby - then take a short taxi, local bus or a walk to the cable car at Hirschwang for the final ascent onto the plateau.

Tips for Visiting Rax#

  • Check the Raxseilbahn’s operating days and seasonal timetable locally before you travel, as services vary by season and maintenance.
  • Weather can change rapidly on the plateau; bring windproof layers and a map, and expect lower temperatures than the valleys.
  • Many steige are steep and exposed in places - good boots and sure-footedness are required; some routes are suitable only for experienced hikers or climbers.
  • Alpine huts provide basic food and beds but can be busy in summer; if you plan to stay overnight, inquire or reserve through the relevant alpine club channels.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so start long hikes early and allow time to return to shelter or the cable car.