Pyhrn-Priel is a holiday region located in the south of the state of Upper Austria, on the border with the state of Styria. To the north of this region are the Krems Valley and the Steyr Valley, and to the east is the Kalkalpen National Park. The area is particularly known for its pristine nature and diverse hiking trails among the hills and mountains. In winter, its ski resorts attract many skiers from across the region and abroad.
The main mountain in the Pyhrn-Priel region is called Wurbauerkogel, and it rises to a height of 858 meters above sea level. The mountain has several nice attractions – an open chairlift, a lookout tower, archery, hiking trails, and a particularly thrilling alpine coaster.
A view of the attractions at Wurbauerkogel mountain
Attractions on Wurbauerkogel Mountain in the Heart of Pyhrn-Priel
A visit to Wurbauerkogel mountain is a particularly exciting experience. There are many fun attractions, and you can easily spend several hours here. You can ascend the mountain by chairlift or along a marked and well-maintained trail. In this section, we will detail the most recommended attractions at the mountain’s summit:
1. Open Chairlift
The chairlift that leads to the mountain’s summit is particularly old; it’s essentially a floating chair that will take you comfortably to the top. The chairlift is suitable for a maximum of two passengers (a parent and child) and is completely open. Young children must ride the chairlift while sitting on an adult’s lap. Children over 1.25 meters tall are allowed to ride alone.
The chairlift arrives at the location of the mountain restaurant, which offers local dishes. Additionally, this is where you’ll find the observation tower, the summer toboggan run, and trails for hiking and cycling.
2. The Alpine Coaster (Wurbauerkogel Alpine Coaster Windischgarsten)
If the summer toboggan run seems a bit scary to you, you should try the Alpine Coaster. The track is safe, and the seats include the most advanced safety features. The track is 800 meters long and includes 7 sharp turns, 3 jumps, 6 bridges, and 10 waves. It’s a very thrilling ride, and the brave can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Please note: Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The coaster is open in all weather conditions.
3. The Panoramic Observation Tower
At the top of the mountain, there is a small visitor center that includes a panoramic observation tower. The tower rises to a height of 21 meters, and from it, you can overlook the entire area and be impressed by 21 mountain peaks that are over 2,000 meters above sea level. Additionally, there is an exhibition on the fascinating world of rocks, describing the diverse nature of Upper Austria.
4. Archery
Another very enjoyable attraction at the mountain’s summit is the archery range, where you can try out several types of bows and shoot at various targets that look like real animals along a designated course.
5. Recommended Hiking Trail
This trail incorporates 8 interactive stations along the way and is also suitable for families with children.
The trail starts from the parking lot next to Villa Sonnwend and from there it reaches the summit of Wurbauerkogel. The first part of the trail is uphill and takes between 3 and 3.5 hours. The way back takes about 40 minutes. The trail passes through forests and fields, and the stations along the way are both educational and fun.
The difficulty level of the trail is medium. You should follow the signs that look like the area’s common animal, the fire salamander.
6. Mountain Biking Trail
For mountain biking enthusiasts, Wurbauerkogel mountain is a real paradise. There are many downhill riding trails as well as a bike park with a variety of ramps that will get your adrenaline pumping. You can take your bike up on the chairlift, so you don’t have to ride all the way to the top.
Thrilling downhill mountain biking
The Pyhrn-Priel Discount Card
If you are staying in this area in one of the hotels or guesthouses that cooperate with the local tourism office, you can receive a free discount card that allows free entry to the attractions on Wurbauerkogel mountain. If you are coming to the Pyhrn-Priel region, it is worth asking your host or at the hotel if you will receive the discount card called the “Pyhrn-Priel Card.”
More information about the card
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit to the Pyhrn-Priel Region
Operating Times of the Chairlift, Toboggan Run, and Alpine Coaster:
- June 14th to October 5th: Every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- July and August: From 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Operating Hours of the Archery Range:
- May, June, September, and October: Weekends and holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- July and August: Every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Opening Times of the Panorama Tower:
- April 28th to October 31st: From 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- July 8th to September 10th: From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Costs:
Chairlift
- One-way (ascent or descent): Adult – €11. Child – €7.
- Round trip (ascent and descent): Adult – €15. Child – €9.
Alpine Coaster
- One ride: Adult – €9. Child – €7.
Panorama Tower
- Entrance: Adult – €6.70. Child – €3.70.
Archery
- Instruction and equipment rental: Adult (from age 14) – €36. Child (7-14) – €21.
Weather forecast on the mountain
Address: Kühbergstraße 2, 4580 Windischgarsten
Map:
Other Attractions in the Pyhrn-Priel Area
After spending a few hours in the area, you can continue to a stunningly beautiful place that is somewhat hidden and not well-known. This place undoubtedly has one of the most beautiful views in Austria. The place is called Schiederweiher, and it is a 25-minute drive from the mountain. You can read more about Schiederweiher in the detailed article we prepared about it. Another great place located right nearby is the charming “Vogelsang” (Birdsong) Gorge hiking trail. It is an experiential nature trail suitable for the whole family.
If you are staying in the area for several days, you should of course continue to enjoy the wonderful Lake District of Austria. A short drive will take you to countless wonderful lakes and picturesque villages nearby. You can visit the famous village of Hallstatt, or drive to the heart of the Styrian Lake District and visit amazing lakes like Lake Grundlsee.
