Ötscher

Description

Anyone who has never stood on the Ötscher summit has not seen Lower Austria! Climbing the Mostviertel patriarch over the Rauher Kamm – yes, we write it with the venerable lengthening H – is considered an outstanding mountaineering achievement in Austria's largest federal state. The ascent through the steep beech forest from Raneck up already strains the calves before reaching the snack spot at the entrance to the Rauher Kamm. The path leads along the north side of the ridge, from where you can enjoy the splendid view of the Mostviertel. A single cemented iron rod helps over the key point, which looks steeper from below than it actually is. Still: it is a "level one" difficulty, meaning you need to use your hands to keep balance.

After a well-deserved snack on the summit plateau, descend to the Ötscherschutzhaus. Those who want to spare their knees can take the Ötscherlift down to the valley at Lackenhof.

Starting point of the tour

Nestelbergsäge

Destination point of the tour

Lackenhof

Route description Ötscher

Starting from the parking lot at Nestelbergsäge, ascend to Bärenlacken, steeply through the beech forest to the entrance of the Rauher Kamm. Follow the path north of the ridge and then a short section directly along the ridge. Then the path crosses the southern flank and returns to the ridge at Herrenstand (memorial cross and trail register). Continue west to the summit cross. Descend over the broad ridge to Hüttenkogel and to the Ötscherschutzhaus (chairlift upper station). Take the lift or the marked trail down to Lackenhof.

By car back to the starting point at Nestelbergsäge.

Those who prefer a more leisurely approach can take the lift from Lackenhof and reach the 1893 meter high summit via the broad western hump - walking time from the chairlift upper station about 1.5 hours.