Otterthal lies right in the Feistritz Valley, at the foot of the Vienna Alps. Gentle hills, lush green meadows and dense forests shape the surrounding area. There are also numerous hiking trails around the village, from a family-friendly autumn hike to routes leading to higher elevations. Those looking for a place to stay can combine hiking with local culture and history.
Hiking from a circular trail to high-altitude routes
The Otterthal Panoramic Circular Trail is a family-friendly autumn hike. It offers views of the mountains, including the Otter and Rax, and passes numerous wayside shrines. For more ambitious hikers, routes from Otterthal also lead to higher elevations in the Vienna Alps and offer panoramic views. There are different kinds of hikes to choose from: a family-friendly circular trail in autumn or tours with views from higher elevations.
The Otterthal Steps Trail offers a different focus. It heads east along the cycle path beside the Otterbach, then follows turn-offs towards Goldberg and, by the chapel, into Hintergasse. The circular trail is characterised above all by its wayside shrines and mountain views, while the Steps Trail follows the Otterbach and its signposted turn-offs. Numerous other hiking trails around Otterthal invite you to explore the area.
Getting there and trailheads
To reach the Otterthal Panoramic Circular Trail, take the Southern Railway to Gloggnitz station, then bus no. 367 operated by Retter Linien to the Otterthal fire station. The Otterthal Steps Trail can also be reached from Gloggnitz station on line 367; the walk begins at the Otterthal fire station stop. Free parking for the Panoramic Circular Trail is available at the Otterthal municipal office. If you plan to travel by bus or train, check the timetable in advance to make sure the connection suits your planned excursion.
Wittgenstein and local history
Otterthal is also associated with Ludwig Wittgenstein: from 1924 to 1926, he taught here as a primary school teacher. He also wrote in Otterthal the last book to be printed during his lifetime. Plaques and lessons at the schools in Otterthal and Trattenbach commemorate Wittgenstein’s time as a primary school teacher.
The Heroes’ Chapel commemorates the Otterthal soldiers who fell in the world wars. The village’s history thus encompasses both Wittgenstein’s time as a teacher and the remembrance of Otterthal’s war dead. The traditional Whit Monday fair includes a morning gathering. When planning your stay, you can focus on the Panoramic Circular Trail, other hiking routes or local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Otterthal, this focus can help guide your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Edlitz, Breitenau, Sankt Egyden Am Steinfeld, Aspang-Markt, Greith, Enzenreith, Trattenbach, Aspangberg Sankt Peter
View the wider travel guide: Neunkirchen.
