visitors to the Rax region, but wood, white water, and the abundance of animals. Until the Semmering Railway was built, the head of the valley was considered a natural dead end. Even before the arrival of 19th century high society, people were able to enjoy recreation here, the region became one of the ›highest‹ places developed. Emperor Charles VI not only loved the hunting trips in the wild and the romantic gorges, but he is also credited with discovering the water springs that still supply the city of Vienna today. WILD WATER AND CULINARY DELIGHTS Before the first high spring pipeline existed, so-called »water riders« exclusively brought the coveted water to Maria Theresa’s father. »Kaiserbrunn« has remained as a place name and the historical site can be explored from the »Knappenhof« in Reichenau. But the easy-to-walk »Wasserleitungs-weg« (water pipe path) is just one of the paths around the hotel that is worth discovering. What was once Kräuter und Blumen. Auf geführten Wanderungen zu verschiedenen Themen und Jahreszeiten kann man Interessantes über Wildkräuter und Heilpflanzen erfahren. pinnacles and the spectacular »Thörl« made of stone. The »Thörlweg« is still just as fascinating as a hiking destination in the region today. The direct connection between the comfortable hotel and the mountain was a stroke of genius by tourism pioneer Camillo Kronich. At the »Knappenhof«, families could wait for the return of the daring alpinists – with all the comforts they were used to in the city palaces of the Wilhelminian era. A »SELFIE SPOT« MADE OF STONE It takes three hours to walk from Knappenhof to Ottohaus, and many of the paths owe their existence – like the local mountain rescue service – to the pioneer Kronich. From the Rax-Alm, you can either take the comfortable cable car, also known as the »Green Queen« or walk back to the Schwarzatal. Once again, you cross the natural »selfie spot« of the »Thörl« – a rocky passage that, like a stone picture frame, reveals the beauty of the region. But it wasn’t always like this. For a long time, it was not tourist attractions that drew 81 considered a development disadvantage has long since become a recreational advantage. Because nature was opened up – with the construction of the Rax cable car in 1926 – in an exemplary manner, and has never been spoiled. »It’s almost like a miracle«, the newspapers marvelled at the time: »At half past seven in the morning you get on the Südbahn in Vienna, and at half past nine in the morning you can already eat a portion of goulash on the Rax«. Almost 100 years later, there is no need to stop at simple refreshments, as Tomaž Fink provides elaborate culinary delights in the »Knappenhof«. The next tour can be planned over lunch on the sunny terrace with a wonderful view. SHARED NATURE EXPERIENCES This could be the extended tour – also known locally as »hut hopping«. This hike takes you as far as Styria. Just a few metres across the border, you reach the »Waxriegelhaus« from Prein. The end point of the hike is at 1,364 metres above sea level in the picturesque Siebenbrunnenkessel (Siebenbrunnen cauldron). With a view of the Rax, you can fortify yourself with the mighty bread dumplings and a Waxriegel beer for the return journey to the »Knappenhof«. Especially since you don’t have to hike the area alone, but can also share the scenic beauty. Meetings of up to 40 guests are possible in the bright seminar rooms of the historic house, and there is never a shortage of incentives for parties or business guests. Just outside the »Knappenhof« is the curling rink, where you can playfully compete with each other. Team building at its best! Torchlight hikes and, in the cold season, meetings around a warming fire roasting chestnuts are also among the highlights, combining brainstorming and mountain climbing. Höllental, Heukuppe or Preiner Gscheid invite you to do just that! <
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjYzODc=