A 900-metre circular trail, a 60-metre suspension bridge and Lower Austria’s highest viewing platform at an elevation of 1,700 metres: the Hochkar 360° Sky Tour brings together several clear points of reference. The working timber rafting facility at the Mendling Valley Experience World and the history of the parish “MENDLING ZU LASSING” offer different highlights. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the different attractions and their respective conditions in mind.

Hochkar: Circular Trail, Views and Ski Slopes

The circular trail of the Hochkar 360° Sky Tour is 900 metres long and easily accessible by lift. The Sky Tour includes a 60-metre suspension bridge, which is home to Lower Austria’s highest viewing platform at an elevation of 1,700 metres. The Sky Tour operates seasonally from May to October.

The Hochkar Bergbahnen four-seater chairlift reaches an elevation of 1,770 metres; its operation depends on the weather and the season. The Hochkar ski area lies at elevations of 1,380 to 1,800 metres and offers 19 kilometres of ski runs. The range of ski runs and seasonal operations may change. These details can help you choose what to focus on: the Sky Tour is listed as operating from May to October, while the ski area and chairlift have their own operating conditions to consider.

Hochkar Alpine Road and Route

The Hochkar Alpine Road, around nine kilometres long, connects the B 25 in Lassing with the Hochkar recreation and ski area. A statement from the Province of Lower Austria reported its reopening on 28 June 2024. Before driving, it is advisable to check the current road conditions.

The Hochkar Route follows its own sequence of named places: it runs from Göstling via Lassing and the Hochkar Alpine Road to the Hochkar valley floor and the Geischlägerhaus. It then returns via the Hochkar valley floor, Lassing and Göstling. The route is listed as closed for winter from 1 November to 14 April. When planning, therefore, take into account two different details: the road connection to Hochkar and the route’s sequence of stops, including its winter closure.

Mendling Valley and Parish History

The Mendling Valley Experience World has a working timber rafting facility. It offers a different focus from the circular trail and ski area, and provides a distinct point of interest for travellers interested in local culture and technology.

One historical point of reference is the year 1786: at that time, the imperial and royal toll collector Ferdinand Neubauer from Mendling in Lassing submitted a petition to build a church and appoint a pastor. The petition specifies a particular ecclesiastical project and its applicant.

The name of the parish “MENDLING ZU LASSING” stems from the predominant influence of the Salzoberamt. It had a toll station in Mendling with a toll collector, a chain barrier operator and a patrolman. Alongside the ecclesiastical request of 1786, the parish name thus points to the influence of an institution and its functions in Mendling at the time.

Hochkar Cave: Plan for a Guided Tour

Hochkar Cave is one of the largest caves in Lower Austria. Visits are limited to guided tours; access may vary by season. Before planning, check whether a guided tour time suits your stay.

Different conditions apply depending on the date and excursion: the Sky Tour operates seasonally from May to October, the ski area’s seasonal operations and range of ski runs may change, and the chairlift depends on the weather and the season. The Hochkar Route has its own winter closure, and access to the cave may also vary by season. So check the relevant conditions for the attraction you actually plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Schliefau, Hochreit, Kienberg Bei Gaming, Reinsberg, Sankt Georgen An Der Leys, Scheibbs, Gaming, Lunz Am See.

Go to the main travel overview: Scheibbs.