Pioneers and free spirits on the Raxalpe

2023-09-03 14:10:07

On the Raxalpe in the Viennese Alps in Lower Austria, the new adventure area “pioneers and free spirits” is being created. This includes themed trails, information points and adventure stations.

Reichenau an der Rax (OTS) – The Rax cable car in the Vienna Alps in Lower Austria is used by around 180,000 guests every year. It takes about eight minutes to commute up to 1,545 meters above sea level. Families, hikers, nature and sports enthusiasts can expect a local recreation area that has its finger on the pulse with original values. As part of the Rax Children’s Day on September 3, 2023, the new project “pioneers and free spirits” was presented together with the Reichenau mountain rescue service: A fascinating adventure space that includes themed trails, information points and adventure stations.

Reichenau / Vienna, Sunday, September 3, 2023. The history of the Raxalpe is shaped by pioneering personalities such as Sigmund Freud, Arthur Schnitzler, Anton Wildgans and Viktor Frankl. With the construction of the Rax cable car in 1925, this region was further developed for tourism. On June 9, 1926, the time had come: The Rax cable car in the Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, which was built according to the “Bleichert-Zuegg system”, began operation. For around 50 years now, the flagship tourist destination in the Vienna Alps has been run by the Scharfegger family, who have encouraged and promoted the upswing in tourism in the region through their numerous businesses. “The Rax cable car is the first passenger cable car in Austria. In order to meet the needs of tourism competitiveness and increase safety, the cable car was completely revitalized in 2016. Today it is technically state-of-the-art,” emphasizes Bernd Scharfeggeroperator of the Rax cable car and managing director of the Scharfegger’s Raxalpen Resort.

New experience space “pioneers and free spirits”

The Rax is more than an imposing mountain backdrop – it is a place that appeals to the senses, nourishes the soul and creates unforgettable memories. Guests can expect a “break from everyday life” – in the middle of nature. A sustainable journey is particularly important. In the future, the new “pioneers & free spirits” concept will ensure conscious entry into the mountain experience. The first phase of the project is nearing completion – display boards, sculptures, the “Infinity Gate”, the “Welcome Terrace”, the “Sigmunds” (10 couch elements are dedicated to Sigmund Freud’s famous couch) and other elements already installed. Scharfegger: “The Rax adventure space stages the mountain with a red thread. In this case it is a red rope that brings the pioneers and free spirits to the fore. The experience points are a successful combination of experiences and information. We are also developing a game pass for the children that promises a great adventure.” The concept came from Martina Berger (agency nails with heads) and Fritz Gillinger (copywriter).

New 140 sculpture of the Reichenau mountain rescue service

The Reichenau mountain rescue service has always been closely linked to the Raxalpe. The new 140 sculpture has already been unveiled, highlighting the importance and history of mountain rescue. “Around the oversized alpine emergency number 140, guests can find out more about our facility and how it came about. The Reichenau site is one of the most traditional mountain rescue sites in Austria. We are very pleased that we can convey the safety issue to the guests here at the Rax in a playful way,” says Dr. Matthew Cernusca, Regional Manager of the Lower Austria-Vienna Mountain Rescue Service. The Reichenau local office has a total of 108 mountain rescue men and women who are on duty on the Rax and the southern Schneeberg and rescue people who have had an accident or lost their way. The operational area extends from Pottschach to Rohr im gebirge and covers around 400 km². The service operation requires around 1,200 hours of voluntary and unpaid service from the members of the mountain rescue service per year. Future elements that will be installed in the next few years will also deal with the topic of mountain rescue.

Tip for arrival:

The TOP excursion destination can be reached by public transport from Vienna in around an hour. A hiking and culture shuttle service that has been successfully established in the region, the RUF bus, is free for holiday guests.

More images can be found here.

More information about the Raxalpe / Rax cable car at: www.raxalpe.com
More information about the Reichenau mountain rescue service at: www.bergrettung-nw.at