Payerbach combines opportunities for walking, hiking and mountaineering in the mountain landscapes of Rax, Schneeberg and Semmering with distinctive themes from cultural history. These include the former mining industry on Grillenberg, the history of pilgrimages and the Semmering Railway. If you are looking for a hotel in Payerbach, you can use the main interests of your trip as a guide: is your focus primarily on landscapes, historic buildings or seasonal excursions? The options offer different highlights and help you tailor your stay to your own interests.
Mining History and Historic Sites
The Grillenberg Show Mine is a former iron ore mine that was reopened and converted into a show mine. The history of mining on Grillenberg dates back to the Late Bronze Age: copper was mined there around 1,000 BC. From the 10th century until 1945, sparry iron ore was mined. The two periods therefore differ both in the raw material extracted and in their historical context. Those interested in the history of mining will find a tangible link to Payerbach’s past here.
Another historic landmark is the St. John of Nepomuk Chapel. It lies on the old pilgrimage route to Mariazell and is one of the oldest places of worship in the municipality of Payerbach. Its location on a former pilgrimage route sets it apart thematically from the mining site on Grillenberg: here, the focus is on religious history and the connection to a historic pilgrimage. Together, the two sites show different aspects of local history, while offering distinct kinds of outings.
The Semmering Railway, Trails and Excursions
The railway landscape is also among the town’s historical themes. The first section of the Semmering Railway UNESCO World Heritage Site runs from the Gloggnitz station to Payerbach station along the left slopes of the Schwarza Valley. This gives Payerbach a direct connection to the railway line and its position on the valley slope. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish this World Heritage theme from activities centred on a train ride or a walking route.
The Höllentalbahn runs on Sundays and public holidays from late June to the end of October, travelling from Payerbach-Reichenau station along its five-kilometre route to Hirschwang and back. If you plan to take this trip, check the timetable for your chosen day before you travel. The Railway Hiking Trail offers a different perspective on the railway landscape: one stage runs from Breitenstein past viaducts and structures of the UNESCO World Heritage Site to Payerbach station. Check trail conditions before setting out. The Höllentalbahn ride and the hiking stage therefore clearly differ in form and duration.
The Payerbach-Reichenau Cultural Walk leads to sites associated with the summer retreat, as well as historic places and buildings in Payerbach and Reichenau. It offers a distinct focus alongside the Railway Hiking Trail, whose description highlights the viaducts and structures of the World Heritage Site. Those interested in cultural history and architecture can take these different themes into account when choosing activities.
Wine Bar and Outdoor Pool
Vinodukt is a wine bar located directly inside the Schwarza Viaduct in Payerbach. The Schwarza Viaduct is the longest viaduct on the historic Semmering Railway; the wine bar thus combines wine with a structure that is part of the railway landscape. The facilities mentioned make Vinodukt a different kind of destination from the show mine or hiking trails: the focus here is on the wine bar and its special setting in the viaduct.
The Payerbach outdoor pool is also an option in the warmer months. The pool, which is over 100 years old, lies between a pavilion and a park and has two pools, a sun terrace, a buffet, a water slide and a playground. As it is a seasonal facility, check the latest opening information and the availability of the listed amenities before travelling. This will help you weigh up the historic sites, trails and seasonal options according to your travel dates and personal interests.
Discover more destinations: Edlitz, Feistritz Am Wechsel, Kirchberg Am Wechsel, Wimpassing Im Schwarzatale, Prigglitz, Warth, Mönichkirchen, Neuwald
For the broader travel overview: Neunkirchen.
