Attractions and Places To See around Mitterbach am Erlaufsee - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the crystal-clear Erlaufsee, perfect for swimming, boating, and diving. The Ötschergräben and Lassingfall, often called the “Grand Canyon of Austria,” offer impressive gorges, steep rock faces, and numerous waterfalls like the Lassingfall, Mira, Schleier, and Treffling Falls. The prominent Ötscher Mountain provides breathtaking panoramic views, while the Gemeindealpe is accessible via chairlifts for scenic vistas.

Yes, Mitterbach am Erlaufsee is steeped in history and culture. It lies on the "Via Sacra," Austria's oldest pilgrimage route. Nearby Josefsberg features 1830 frescoes by P. Chrisostomos Sandweger in its rectory and a notable parish church. The famous Mariazell Basilica, a significant pilgrimage site, is also easily accessible from Mitterbach.

Mitterbach am Erlaufsee is a certified hiking village with a wide range of marked trails, from relaxing walks to challenging multi-day tours. The Ötschergräben and Lassingfall offer impressive hikes through gorges and past waterfalls. For more challenging routes, consider trails on the Ötscher Mountain, including those over the Rauher Kamm. You can find various mountain hikes, including difficult and moderate options, in the Mountain Hikes around Mitterbach am Erlaufsee guide.

Erlaufsee is a hub for water activities. You can enjoy swimming in its crystal-clear waters, rent one of over 30 rowing, pedal, or electric boats, or try stand-up paddling. It's also a popular spot for fishing, with perch and char, and diving due to its excellent visibility. A 3.5-kilometer circular path around the lake is perfect for walkers and cyclists. Since 2020, you can also take a ride on the newly restored excursion ship "Christina."

Absolutely! The Terzerhaus mountain hut on Gemeindealpe is noted as family-friendly, offering a large playground for children. In summer, the Gemeindealpe features a 4.6-kilometer gravel track for thrilling descents on mountain carts. The Erlaufsee itself is great for families, with swimming and boat rentals. The solar-heated alpine pool also provides additional swimming fun.

For stunning panoramic views, head to the Terzerhaus mountain hut at 1,626 meters on Gemeindealpe, which offers magnificent vistas of the Mariazell region and can be reached comfortably by lift. The almost 2,000-meter-high Ötscher Mountain is another prominent landmark providing breathtaking panoramic views across the Mostviertel region.

The region offers diverse cycling routes. You can cycle the 3.5-kilometer circular path around Erlaufsee for a leisurely ride. For more extensive tours, there are various road cycling and touring bicycle routes available. Explore options like the "Basilica of Mariazell – Erlaufsee loop" or the "Erlaufsee – Zellerrain loop" in the Road Cycling Routes and Cycling around Mitterbach am Erlaufsee guides.

Visitors are consistently impressed by the natural beauty and the unique experience of the Ötschergräben and Lassingfall. Many describe it as an awe-inspiring natural landscape, often compared to the Grand Canyon, with its deeply incised river courses, steep rock faces, and numerous waterfalls. The hike itself is highly recommended, with some even daring to take a refreshing dip in the cooler waters during summer. The Ötscherhias Snack Station is a popular stop for refreshments along the way.

In winter, the Gemeindealpe transforms into a ski resort with up to 16 kilometers of slopes for skiers, snowboarders, and ski tourers. Beyond skiing, popular activities include cross-country skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and curling, offering a diverse range of options for enjoying the snowy landscape.

Yes, the Mariazellerbahn is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in Austria. It offers a scenic journey into the region, with various stations providing access to hiking trails, including those leading into the Ötschergräben.

Yes, several huts and snack stations provide refreshments. The Terzerhaus mountain hut on Gemeindealpe offers a restaurant with panoramic views. The Ötscher Schutzhaus at the foot of the Großer Ötscher is a stop for drinks and overnight accommodation. Within the Ötschergräben, the Ötscherhias Snack Station is a small but highly regarded refreshment point.