With a completely new summer offer, the Gemeindealpe Mitterbach is also an attractive destination in summer.
"The Secret of the Gemeindealpe" is Lower Austria's first outdoor mountain escape game. Starting July 5, 2025, players can find clues and solve the big puzzle from the middle station of the Gemeindealpe Mitterbach to the summit, enjoying a breathtaking mountain panorama and views of Lake Erlauf. "This completely new summer offering will make our Gemeindealpe even more attractive as a destination. By 2027, we will be expanding the game options to a total of three escape trails with varying levels of difficulty. This way, our guests can rediscover the mountain and nature through play," explains Udo Landbauer, Lower Austria's Minister of Transport and Deputy Governor.
The "Secret of the Gemeindealpe" is mysterious. The game scenario: The character Felix suddenly disappears for unknown reasons, leaving behind only a voice message with a few cryptic hints that point to the recordings of Uncle Meinrad, a UFO fanatic. The players must discover the true nature of Felix's disappearance and Meinrad's secret.
Here's how the escape game works: At the valley station of the Gemeindealpe Mitterbach, players receive a backpack with all the necessary equipment; all they need is a cell phone. They then take the chairlift to the mid-station, where the escape trail begins. Along the nearly three-kilometer journey to the summit, players must use their cell phones and equipment to solve puzzles and discover clues to uncover the "secret of the Gemeindealpe." The game lasts approximately five hours and can be played in small groups of two to a maximum of eight people.
"Our Gemeindealpe Mitterbach, with its numerous hiking trails, mountain carts, crawler course and now the new Mountain Escape, offers a comprehensive overall experience for all guests – from children to seniors, from sports enthusiasts to leisurely walkers," add NÖVOG managing directors Wolfgang Schroll and Michael Hasenöhrl.
Tip: The Gemeindealpe Mitterbach is accessible stress-free and environmentally friendly by public transport. From the Mitterbach/Erlaufsee train station (Mariazellerbahn), it's just a few minutes' walk to the Gemeindealpe valley station.