Neuwald: Nature, Hiking Trails and Culture

Neuwald combines nature watching at the Mariensee wetland with hikes and historic sites. When planning your trip, you can choose between the whitewater trail, the hike via the Marienseer Schwaig to the Wetterkoglerhaus, and visits to chapels and the church. The destinations offer different highlights: water and landscapes, a panorama at the Hochwechsel, or cultural history.

Nature and trails around Mariensee

The Mariensee wetland is a wetland area of about 200 m², surrounded by a wet meadow. The whitewater trail starts and ends at the wetland. Numerous information boards and questions guide hikers, children and adults to hidden spots where they can discover the world of whitewater and its surroundings. Visitors can also observe aquatic animals such as the European green toad at the wetland.

The whitewater trail follows the Pöstlingbach through a small valley where springs and streams flow freely. Along the way, it leads to a rest area by an old mill, then continues to a waterfall and a bivouac. The hike thus connects the stream with several stops along the route. It is of moderate difficulty, 6.63 km long and takes three hours; the ascent and descent are listed as 494 metres. The distance, duration, difficulty rating and elevation gain give you concrete points of reference for planning your day.

Another hike starts at the Mariensee wetland and leads via the Marienseer Schwaig to the Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel. At 1,743 m, the hut is at the highest point of the Wechsel. From there, the panoramic view stretches across the Semmering and Rax mountains to the Schneeberg, as well as beyond the borders to Slovenia and Hungary. While the whitewater trail focuses on the stream and its stops, this hike leads to the Wetterkoglerhaus and its panorama.

The Marienseer Schwaig can be reached on foot via well-marked hiking trails and was first mentioned at the beginning of the 19th century. During the hike, it serves homemade dishes and produce from its own garden. It operates seasonally, so check whether it is open before setting out. The Herrgottschnitzerhütte – Franz Kaupe-Haus, at 2870 Neuwald on the Kampstein, is also open in summer and winter.

Getting there and visiting conditions

The hike can be reached by car via Mariensee. Take regional bus 1764 from Aspang-Markt railway station to Mariensee Gh Haidbauer; from there, continue on foot for about 40 minutes. If you travel by bus, you can factor this additional walking time into your plans.

In the associated municipal area, the 1,000-year-old oak, a natural monument, stands on private property. It cannot be accessed directly, but you can get within 50 metres of it and view it. Bear this restriction in mind when planning a visit.

Chapels and church

The Salzbauer Chapel, also known as Mariensee Chapel, is located in the centre of Mariensee, on a rise by the entrance to the village. It was built in memory of Hubert Fahrner, who fell in battle, as well as those who fell in the First and Second World Wars, and was dedicated on 2 September 1956. Its location and dedication give the visit a clear historical context.

In the cadastral municipality of Neuwald, the Catholic parish church of St Peter is protected as a historic monument by decree. The interior of the parish church of St Peter am Neuwald can be visited by appointment. If you would like to see the interior, arrange your visit in advance.

Discover more destinations: Payerbach, Breitenstein, Gloggnitz, Breitenau, Mönichkirchen, Raach am Hochgebirge Municipality, Kirchberg Am Wechsel, Grimmenstein.

Back to the broader travel overview: Neunkirchen.