In 1906, industrialist Arthur Krupp gave his wife a grand gift for their silver wedding anniversary: he had an entire reservoir built in Upper Styria. It was intended to supply the surrounding valley with electricity. Today, Lake Hubertus in Mariazell serves primarily as a haven of peace in nature, which you can reach in about a two-hour drive from Vienna.
The lake is about nine kilometers from Mariazell and lies in the heart of the Walster Valley. Because the area is densely forested, the water remains pleasantly cool and extremely clear in August . Since Arthur Krupp was an avid hunter, he named the lake after the patron saint of hunters. In addition, the tranquil expanse of water makes for an ideal photo opportunity during your trip.
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Walks for Every Fitness Level
If you’d like to explore the shore, the new “WohlfühlWeg” trail on the north shoreis a great option. This two-kilometer-long walking trail is completely flat, making it perfect for strollers. You can stroll right along the water’s edge while breathing in the fresh mountain air of Styria.
Whether you walk the entire loop is, of course, up to you. Architecture enthusiasts should definitely check out the Bruder-Klaus Church from the 1960s. It was built right on the north shore and captivates visitors with its artistically designed stained-glass windows.
Fresh Wuchteln to finish off
After you’ve explored the church, a real culinary highlight awaits you. Right nearby is the traditional Reininger Inn, better known in the region as the “Wuchtlwirtin.” They serve oven-fresh Wuchteln daily, as this restaurant is famous for its homemade pastries.
You can order the fluffy yeast dough topped with either fruity jam or warm vanilla sauce. This way, you can round off your trip to the mountains with a true classic. There’s also a large paved parking lot there, so getting there by car is completely stress-free.
📍 Hubertussee, Walster Valley, 8630 Mariazell
💶 Admission: Free
🕒 Hours: The lake is open year-round, 24 hours a day
🚗 Parking: Free parking right next to the large parking lot at the Wuchtlwirtin
