On the border between the Austrian federal states of Styria and Lower Austria, a mountain massif rises into the sky. The Rax, with its steep, south-facing cliffs, is a popular destination for mountaineers and nature lovers, not least due to its proximity to the Vienna metropolitan area and Austria's neighboring countries to the east. The Rax is therefore well-developed: In addition to a cable car, numerous hiking trails and legendary via ferratas lead to the impressive high plateau. The Heukuppe rises 2007 meters (6585 ft) and marks the highest point of the Rax massif, which can be reached from several sides.
A popular starting point for hikes is the Preiner Gscheid car park (4 Euros per day, as of June 2025), located in the immediate vicinity of the highest point (1070 m / 3510 ft) of the pass road connecting the towns of Reichenau an der Rax in Lower Austria and Kapellen in Styria. Preiner Gscheid is rightly called the "Gateway to the Rax." From here, several trails lead to the high plateau and thus to the peaks of the mountain range.
From the parking lot, the trail initially follows the yellow markings of the Reißtalersteig trail through the forest. It climbs gently and steadily, but by no means steeply. Clearly visible markings and signposts at forks and intersections help with orientation amidst the maze of various hiking routes.
If you follow the yellow markings and the signposts toward the Moassa Inn, you're almost certainly on the right path. A good hiking map or GPS can be helpful for reassurance, though. Eventually, the trail leads past the unmanned Reißtaler hut, and at the next fork, keep right and continue along the Reißtalersteig. After approximately 2.6 km (1.6 mi), pay special attention to the signpost. Here, the Reißtalersteig trail branches off to the right, and here begins the red marked Fuchslochsteig trail, which leads over the striking "Raxen Mäuer" up to the Heukuppe.
The trail becomes increasingly rocky and narrow, penetrating steeper terrain. After about 3.8 km (2.4 mi), the trail crosses a scree field, and at the foot of the approaching rock faces, a yellow signpost can be seen marking the entrance to the "Fuchsloch" (fox hole).
Once you reach the entrance, the aforementioned signpost points the way up through the rock faces. At this point, it's advisable to put on a rockfall helmet. Large markers on the rocks prevent you from losing sight of the trail and straying into even more difficult terrain.
The first section is a bit challenging due to gravel and loose rocks, but after just a few meters of elevation the climb becomes much more pleasant as there are enough good footholds.
After overcoming the first 40 meters (131 ft) of elevation, the most challenging part of the climb (probably graded I+ according to the UIAA) comes, where using your hands is definitely helpful. Surefootedness is essential here. Once this steep section is overcome, the ascent continues without further difficulty.
By the upper part of the trail, it's time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you get there early enough, you're sure to spot some chamois, which seem to feel extremely comfortable in the surroundings and skillfully zip across the sometimes steep slopes and cliffs. From here you also have a wonderful view of the Schneealpe in the west of the Rax massif.
In the upper section, you finally leave the rock faces behind and stroll leisurely upwards through beautiful meadows. Instead of following the path toward Schneegrubensattel, you can also take a shortcut across the meadow to Heukuppe. To do this, turn left and find the most pleasant path across the meadow to conquer the last 100 meters (328 ft) of elevation to Heukuppe (2007 m / 6585 ft), the highest point of the Rax Massif.
Without any significant breaks, the summit is reached after about 2.5 hours. Instead of a summit cross, there is a memorial on the Heukuppe to the members of the Austrian Tourist Club who died in both World Wars, as well as to all those who died in the mountains. From the Heukuppe, you have a magnificent view of the Schneealpe to the west, the Schneeberg to the northeast, and the Semmering to the southeast. You can safely pack your rockfall helmet for the upcoming descent. You won't need it anymore.
The descent to the Karl-Ludwig-Haus leads over the Schneegrubensattel and the lush green meadows of the high plateau. From here, the popular hut, set against an imposing rocky backdrop, is always in view. Just south of it, the Raxkircherl is also clearly visible, a small chapel where services are still held today.
From the Karl-Ludwig-Haus, the so-called Schlangenweg (Snake Trail) leads across the Siebenbrunnenwiese meadow back down to the Preiner Gescheid. The trail is relatively wide and, despite the rocky and gravelly terrain, is very easy to walk on, even on the descent. The descent is straightforward, and it's always worth taking a look back at the magnificent mountain scenery.
Halfway along the trail, it is worth taking a detour to the Waxriegelhaus, a hut where you can enjoy some well-deserved refreshment.
The remaining descent from the Waxriegelhaus to the parking lot isn't particularly exciting. It leads fairly directly downhill, crossing the forest road several times. After about 30 minutes you reach the parking lot and a beautiful tour comes to an end.
Distance: 10,7 km (~ 6.6 mi)
Duration: 04:00 h (without breaks)
Ascent altitude: 930 m (3051 ft)
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