Rax

Ready to explore one of Austria's most fascinating mountains? From the first cable car in the country to its critical role in Vienna’s water supply, Rax is more than just an alpine destination—it’s a place rich in history and natural wonders. Discover the thrilling stories of avalanches, ancient coral reefs, and the origins of mountain rescue that make Rax a must-see for every adventurer!

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A Must-Visit Alpine Destination for Day Trips from Vienna

Rax, also called Raxalpe, is one of the most famous mountains in the Northern Limestone Alps, located near Vienna. These Limestone Alps stretch over 500 kilometers, from Lake Constance in the west to Vienna. What makes them unique is their limited number of glaciers, with the few remaining expected to melt within the next 100 years. Raxalpe is the ideal day trip from Vienna for anyone looking to explore the Alps near Vienna.

How to Reach Rax from Vienna
by Public Transport:
A Perfect Day Trip

Because Raxalpe is only 85 km from Vienna, it’s a favorite weekend getaway for people in Vienna and Lower Austria. Many visitors first explore the mountains at Rax, making it an ideal day trip from Vienna. Tourism here started in the 19th century, with many trails created for hikers of all levels. Today, most visitors take the historic Rax Cable Car, operating since 1926, making Raxalpe one of the easiest Alps near Vienna to access.

Reach the Highest Peak of Rax

The highest peak is Heukuppe, which rises to 2,007 meters above sea level. Its stunning limestone formations give Rax its unique character as part of the Limestone Alps. The Rax Plateau, covering 34 km², features beautiful alpine vegetation. Together with the nearby Schneeberg, Rax forms the Rax-Schneeberg Group, making it a must-visit for outdoor lovers on a Vienna hiking trip.

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The Historic Cable Car

The Rax Cable Car departs from Hirschwang an der Rax, offering a scenic ride through the breathtaking Höllental Valley. The Schwarza River flows through this picturesque valley, enhancing the stunning views. The area is also home to the First Vienna Water Pipeline, which supplies fresh alpine water to the city. The surrounding landscape makes Hirschwang a top destination for visitors on a Vienna day trip.

The First Vienna Water Pipeline

When visiting Rax, you’ll notice signs marking water protection areas. Since 1873, Rax has played a critical role in supplying Vienna with clean alpine water. The First Vienna Water Pipeline, also called Emperor Franz Joseph’s Water Pipeline, originates from Rax and provides up to 50% of Vienna’s daily water needs. Before this, the city relied on local wells, which were often contaminated. By sourcing water from Raxalpe in the Vienna Alps, the city greatly improved its water quality, making Rax vital to the region’s history.

Explore Vienna’s Local Mountains
by Public Transport

Vienna is fortunate to have three iconic mountains nearby: Rax, Schneeberg, and Hohe Wand. All are located in Lower Austria and are popular for hiking and nature tourism near Vienna. These mountains can be easily reached by public transport from Vienna, making them perfect for activities such as hiking, skiing, and climbing. For anyone searching for a Vienna hiking trip, these peaks are a must.

History Behind the Name

The name “Rax” is believed to come from the nearby village of Raxen. It likely means “rough area” or “poorly covered land.” Alternatively, it might reference the sound of rasping or spitting, produced by the flowing water in the area. These natural sounds have shaped the region’s character and history, influencing its name over time.

The Nature Escape
Near Vienna

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Vienna or a relaxing weekend adventure, Rax is the perfect destination. For those who enjoy hiking, scenic views, or just relaxing in nature, Raxalpe offers a unique alpine experience. With its easy access via public transport, it’s one of the best places to visit for both locals and tourists alike. When planning your next Vienna day trip, don’t miss the chance to explore Rax and the beauty of the Vienna Alps.

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More Interesting Facts
about Rax:

• During World War II, Rax was used by the Wehrmacht. It housed a radio monitoring and listening station.
• The Alps were formed due to the movement of the African plate pushing into the European continent.
• The Vienna Forestry Department manages the water source areas of Vienna. The city of Vienna is the second-largest landowner in Austria, after the Austrian government, with four-fifths of the managed area outside the city.
• The first person to climb Rax was Charles de l’Écluse (1526–1609), a botanist for Maximilian II. He is credited with introducing chestnut trees, tulips, and potatoes to Vienna.
• The difficulty ratings for mountain climbing originated from Rax. Fritz Benesch, the author of the 1894 Rax Guide, was the first to define these standards worldwide.
• As a protected area, most of Rax belongs to the city of Vienna, where cycling is prohibited to preserve nature.
• In 1926, Maria Bonaparte, Princess of Greece and Denmark, descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte, used the cable car. She was a friend of Sigmund Freud and she wanted to cure her apathy by having an operation on her vagina.