The Wildwater Trail starts and ends at the Mariensee Wetland in Neuwald; another hike leads from there via the Mariensee Schwaig to the Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel. The Wildwater Trail takes you through a water-rich landscape, while the second tour leads to a destination on the Hochwechsel. Visitors interested in culture can also discover places with a specific history, including the Salzbauern Chapel in Mariensee and the Parish Church of St. Peter in the cadastral municipality of Neuwald.
Wetland and Wildwater Trail
The Mariensee Wetland covers about 200 m² and is surrounded by a wet meadow. It is also the starting and finishing point of the Wildwater Trail. Visitors can observe aquatic animals here, such as the yellow-bellied toad. Along the trail, numerous information boards and questions help hikers, children and adults discover hidden places and learn about the world of wild water and its environment.
The trail follows the Pöstlingbach through a small valley where springs and streams flow freely. Stops along the way include a rest area by an old mill, a waterfall and a bivouac. These destinations offer different points of interest along the hike: nature observation takes centre stage at the wetland, the route follows the stream along the way, and the rest area, waterfall and bivouac are other named places along the trail.
The Wildwater Trail is described as a moderately difficult hike of 6.63 km, taking three hours, with 494 metres of elevation gain and loss. These route figures help you assess the time and elevation change for your own planning; they apply to the hike and not to travel to the starting point.
Hike via the Mariensee Schwaig
Another hike starts at the Mariensee Wetland and leads via the Mariensee Schwaig to the Wetterkoglerhaus on the Hochwechsel. At 1,743 m, the Wetterkoglerhaus is at the highest point of the Wechsel. From there, panoramic views extend across the Semmering and Rax to the Schneeberg, and beyond the borders to Slovenia and Hungary.
The Mariensee Schwaig was mentioned as early as the beginning of the 19th century. It can be reached on foot via well-marked hiking trails. On the hike from the wetland, it offers homemade dishes and produce from its own garden. The Schwaig is open seasonally; check its seasonal opening dates before your trip, especially if you plan to stop there for a meal. This lets you time your break to coincide with its actual opening hours, rather than planning it as a fixed part of your hiking day without checking in advance.
Another place with a designated name is the Herrgottschnitzerhütte – Franz Kaupe House on the Kampstein, at 2870 Neuwald. It is open in summer and winter. This information refers to this location; when planning hikes around the wetland, the route details for those hikes are what matter.
Getting to the starting point
The Mariensee Wetland can be reached by car via Mariensee. To travel by public transport, take Regional Bus 1764 from the railway terminus at Aspang-Markt to Mariensee Gh Haidbauer. From there, continue on foot for about 40 minutes. This walk is part of the journey to the starting point; it is separate from the stated three-hour duration of the Wildwater Trail. Check the regional bus timetable when planning your trip.
Chapel and parish church
The Salzbauern Chapel, also known as the Mariensee Chapel, is located in the centre of Mariensee on a hill near the entrance to the village. It was built in memory of Hubert Fahrner, who fell in the war, and of those killed in the First and Second World Wars, and was consecrated on 2 September 1956. Its location and dedication give a visit a different focus from the hikes and nature observations.
The Catholic Parish Church of St. Peter in the cadastral municipality of Neuwald, also known as St. Peter am Neuwald Parish Church, is protected as a listed monument by decree. An interior visit is possible by prior arrangement. Please arrange your visit in advance so that it complies with the stated registration requirement.
Discover more destinations: Grimmenstein, Mönichkirchen, Sankt Corona Am Wechsel, Greith, Kirchberg Am Wechsel, Gemeinde Raach am Hochgebirge, Klamm, Kranichberg.
View the overview of the wider area: Neunkirchen.
