Nature experience in Dirndltal & Mostviertel
"With the Mariazell Railway through the Pre-Alps"
Discover the Dirndltal in the Mostviertel, southwest of Vienna and nestled in the gentle pre-Alpine landscape of Lower Austria. A special highlight is the ride on the Mariazellerbahn through the Dirndltal to the pilgrimage site of Mariazell. You will visit Baden near Vienna with its charming old town and explore the scenically beautiful Ybbstal. Varied experiences, regional moments of enjoyment, and the natural atmosphere of the Steinschalerhof make this trip a special break.
Travel Features
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival – Welcome to Dirndltal
Departure in the morning and travel to Dirndltal. Welcome at the hotel and introduction to the program. End the day with a cozy dinner.
Day 2 | Mariazellerbahn – Mariazell
A special highlight of your trip awaits you today. After breakfast, you will travel to the impressive central station Laubenbachmühle, the starting point of the Mariazellerbahn. Here, you will board the modern “Himmelstreppe” and travel on a classic narrow gauge through Dirndltal and the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park to the pilgrimage site of Mariazell. The train winds through the alpine landscape of the Mostviertel in numerous hairpin turns, overcoming many altitude meters along the way. It is no wonder that it is referred to as the “Glacier Express of the Eastern Alps.” Afterwards, you will take the bus to the center of Mariazell. During a guided tour, you will see the impressive basilica with the candle grotto. Then, you will travel to Erlaufsee for an individual lunch break. Continuing over the Gscheid to Lilienfeld, you will visit the abbey church. After that, you will return to the hotel.
Day 3 | Baden near Vienna & Style Classes
The journey takes you over Hirtenberg at the southern edge of the Vienna Woods to Baden near Vienna. In this traditional spa town, which was already appreciated by Emperor Franz Joseph and Ludwig van Beethoven, you will take an extensive walk through the old town and the spa park. Afterwards, you will continue to an individual lunch break at a Heurigen (at your own expense). Then, you will travel to Berndorf for a tour of the unique style classes built by Arthur Krupp for the workers' children of the city, reflecting various historical art epochs. Return through the Gölsental via St. Veit an der Gölsen to the hotel.
Day 4 | Ybbstal: Mountains, Lake & Waidhofen
Today you will discover the scenic and cultural diversity of the Ybbstal. From Pielachtal, the journey leads to Lunz am See, where you can enjoy the idyllic mountain lake during a short stop. Via Göstling, you will ascend to Hochkar. At around 1,450 m, you will be greeted by an impressive mountain panorama overlooking the Ybbstaler Alps. Afterwards, you will travel through the charming Ybbstal to Waidhofen an der Ybbs. During a guided city tour, you will discover the historic old town with its citizens' houses, winding alleys, and the mighty city tower. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to stop at the traditional Café Piaty (at your own expense). The return journey leads through the picturesque pre-Alpine landscape into the Erlauftal to the hotel.
Day 5 | Haubiversum & Time to Enjoy
You will travel to Petzenkirchen to the Haubiversum. During an experiential tour, you will gain exciting insights into the baking craft and experience the production of bread and pastries up close. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel, where the afternoon is at your leisure. Relax in the natural gardens with ponds and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 6 | Return Journey
After breakfast, the return journey begins.
Inclusions
- Travel by modern coach
- 5x overnight stays including breakfast buffet at the 4-star Naturhotel Steinschalerhof in
Rabenstein im Dirndltal (regional category) - 4x dinner as a 3-course choice menu of Steinschaler natural cuisine
- 1x Steinschaler buffet
- Welcome with regional welcome drink and program information
- Dirndlkern card
- Introduction to the dirndl fruit
- Tasting of typical dirndl specialties and sheep cheese at the hotel
- Local bus travel accompaniment from the 2nd to
5th day - Mariazellerbahn ride: from Laubenbachmühle to Mariazell
- Visit to the Stiftskirche Lilienfeld
- Guided tour in the Berndorfer style classes
- Admission and guided tour of Haubiversum–
“Bread and Experience World” in Petzenkirchen - Local tax
- Bohr travel accompaniment
4-star nature hotel Steinschalerhof in Rabenstein in the Dirndltal
The nature hotel Steinschalerhof is idyllically located in the heart of the Dirndltal and is surrounded by extensive nature and organic gardens. The award-winning Steinschaler natural cuisine pampers you with down-to-earth, tasty, and regionally oriented dishes. A sauna is available for relaxation. The expansive nature gardens invite you to relax and linger. The rooms are equipped with a bathtub or shower, toilet, hairdryer, TV, and Wi-Fi.
