Ötscher

Description

Anyone who has never stood on the Ötscher summit has not seen Lower Austria! Climbing the Mostviertler Altvater via the Rauhen Kamm - yes, we spell it with the venerable stretched H - is considered an outstanding alpine achievement in Austria's largest province. The ascent through the steep beech forest from Raneck is hard on the calves before you reach the Jausenplatzl at the start of the Rauhen Kamm. The trail leads north along the ridge, from where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Mostviertel. A single cemented iron bar helps you over the key section, which looks racier from below than it actually is. Nevertheless, it is a "one" level of difficulty, which means you need your hands to keep your balance.

After a well-earned snack on the summit plateau, we head down to the Ötscherschutzhaus. For all those who want to take it easy on their knees, you can take the Ötscher lift down into the valley to 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.