Hike to the Hutwisch lookout tower, via the Gasthof Höhwirt. At 896m in height, and with 104 steps, the lookout tower offers breathtaking views.
Description
Departing from the Gasthof Hotel Grandits just outside the centre of Kirchschlag in Bucklige Welt, you will arrive at the Hutwisch lookout post in just over two hours. The route leads down paved roads and through forests, through Maierhöfen and Ortbauer, to Hochneukirchen. The Gasthof Höhwirt is situated just 70m below the lookout tower, in densely-wooded surroundings. If you stop here, you will be welcomed into a pleasant atmosphere with good traditional food and international dishes. You will reach the Höhwirt by turning right onto Landstrasse (B road) 146 about one kilometre from the destination. Then it’s on to the highest peak of the Bucklige Welt – the Hutwisch. Climbing the 104 steps to the Hutwisch lookout post is worthwhile. Here you have a view of Lake Neusiedl and the Schneeberg!
Starting point of the tour
Gasthof Grandits in Kirchschlag
Destination point of the tour
Hutwisch outlook tower or Gasthof Höhwirt
Route description Kirchschlag – Hutwisch or Höhwirt route
We will start at Gasthof Grandits in Kirchschlag and follow the E2 route markings, on a moderate incline up the Rotte Maierhöfen. We will pass through Maierhöfen, heading from the farm to the chapel, before taking a short left and immediately turning right and heading onto the ridgeway. We will go straight on to Ortbauer. On the tarmac road, we will bear left for about 150m, before turning right onto the trail. We will follow the E2 trail, marked by yellow signs, through the Wolfsbühlewald on a moderate ascent, before crossing a road. We will continue along the yellow route. We will turn left towards Harmannsdorf, and left onto the path which will lead us to the Hutwisch lookout tower.
Directions
From the A2 southern motorway: If you are coming from Vienna, take the Krumbach exit. If you are coming from Graz, take the Aspang-Zöbern exit. Take the B54 to Bad Schönau. After about 7.5km, you will reach Kirchschlag in Bucklige Welt. Turn right after entering the village. Continue 200m to Hotel Gasthof Grandits.
Parking
Parking facilities are available at Hotel Gasthof Grandits.
Daily bus connections operated by BLAGUSS NÖ take you from Südtiroler Platz in Vienna, to Bad Schönau or Kirchschlag.
If you are travelling by train, take the southern train (Südbahn) to Wiener Neustadt, and then the regional train (Regionalzug, towards Aspang) to Edlitz-Grimmenstein. From there, take the bus to Kirchschlag.
See www.oebb.at or www.vor.at for more information.
Author's tip
Combine your walk with an overnight stay in Kirchschlag. Rooms at the Hotel zur Post Hönigwirt can be booked online.
