エルラウフ湖周辺のおすすめ交通量の少ないサイクリングルート

The Bruder Klaus Church at Hubertussee is a small, atmospherically situated Catholic church on the northern shore of the lake in Walstern near Mariazell. Built in 1966/67, it is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus. The simple architecture blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, with the stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the saint's life and the striking iron entrance portal adding distinctive touches.

The section along the Walster River is one of the most scenic parts of the Traisental Cycle Path (R13). It leads through the mountainous landscape of the Lower Austrian Prealps and, in its upper reaches, follows the Walster, a clear mountain stream that flows into the Traisen River near Annaberg. From Mariazell, the route initially descends gently through the idyllic Walster Valley, past dense forests, lush meadows, and quiet hamlets. The section along Lake Hubertus near Wienerbruck is particularly charming and offers a perfect spot for a short break. The path then continues along the Walster towards Annaberg, where the river joins the young Traisen. From here, the route leads through the narrow, wooded Traisen Valley down into the gentle Alpine foothills and finally to the state capital, St. Pölten. The route is well signposted and largely follows quiet side roads and cycle paths. It offers a diverse combination of alpine scenery, clear waters and cultural impressions – an ideal tour for experienced cyclists and nature lovers who want to enjoy the tranquil Walstertal valley.

Turning off the main street of Mitterbach, opposite the lumber yard, we can reach this point, from which there is a nice view of the Erlaufstausee. The lake was created artificially, we can only see a small part of it from this point. Unfortunately, we cannot ride bicycles on the hiking trails. For a break, we can stop at the Stapelhaus cafeteria, from whose terrace we can also see the lake.

Excellent **** accommodation, which is both a hotel and an apartment, with or without breakfast. You can also book in separate apartment buildings. There is a sauna on the top floor of the hotel, with a roof terrace. They speak Hungarian! We can reach the Mitterbach ski lift and the beach on a short walk. I highly recommend it, whether in winter or any other season!

The Luckertes Kreuz (holed cross) is a legendary memorial site in Austria, located about 1.5 km from Mariazell, on the Kreuzberg, next to the main road. ​It gets its name from the hole in the middle of the cross. According to popular belief, girls wishing to get married must pray through the hole nine times in order to find a good husband.

Actually, it is the "gate" of the road around the lake. From here, you can go around it from the right or left, or even do a circular hike. You don't have to prepare for a long hike, because the loop is 2.4 km.

The steam train only runs on weekends between Erlaufsee and Mariazell. The services are seasonal, usually from mid-May to the end of October, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is worth checking the exact schedule on their website, as the schedule may change in case of bad weather or low occupancy.

The Erlauf Reservoir Tavern at the entrance to the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park is a real insider tip. From the terrace, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Erlauf Reservoir, the Ötscher Mountains, and the Gemeindealpe. The modern stacked house, built from nine tons of local wood, invites you to enjoy small snacks and refreshments after a hike. The tavern is open from 11 a.m. on weekends from May to October (almost daily in summer).