Just about 100km south of the Wachau valley is the Ötscher Tormäuer Nature Park, an alpine canyon along the Erlauf river. Starting fom the Park's Center in Wienerbruck there are many trails to explore the waterfalls, gorges and mountain peaks. Cold water, steep cliffs providing shade and well maintained paths make this nature park a perfect destination for hot summer days. We also recommend to jump into the lake Erlaufsee to cool down before ending this excursion in the place of pilgrimage Mariazell.
By the way, the Park´s Center as well as Mariazell can be easily reached by train.