Mariazell, Styria, Austria (Austrian Alps / Ötscher region)

IBWISE Leadership & CAS Trip in the Austrian Alps

A unique 6-day IB CAS leadership adventure in the stunning Austrian Alps, combining outdoor activities, cultural immersion, and meaningful service opportunities.

Run by IB WiseAges 16-19

Adventure & Outdoors Camps in Europe Climate & Sustainability Language Immersion

Dates and prices

Dates2027 dates pending

Duration1 week (6 days / 5 nights)

Fees2027 prices pending

About this camp

IBWISE invites Pre-IB and Mid-IB students to a challenging and unforgettable 6-day leadership trip in the picturesque mountain village of Mariazell and its surrounding Ötscher region in the Austrian Fore Alps — just 1.5 hours from Vienna. Students will experience breathtaking mountain hikes, traditional Austrian crafts and farm life, volunteer service in the Ötscher national park, and an overnight stay in a mountain hut.

The trip is led by Dr. Alexander Grubich, an experienced IB CAS coordinator, PD workshop leader, and teacher at the Vienna International School. Each student receives an official IB CAS certificate documenting their accomplished hours and activities, which can also support university applications.

Cost: price to be confirmed for 2027/ 1 week (all-inclusive: half board, transportation, 24/7 care & activities)

Earn an official IB CAS certificate documenting hours and activities completed during the trip
Led by Dr. Alexander Grubich, IB CAS coordinator and IBO Professional Development workshop leader at the Vienna International School
Experience authentic Austrian alpine culture through traditional farm activities, bread-making, and local craftsmanship
Volunteer in the Ötscher national park and help preserve the local natural ecosystem
Overnight stay in a traditional mountain hut (Schutzhaus Vorderötscher) after hiking through the stunning Ötschergräben canyon

What the price covers

Half-board accommodation (Hotel Weißer Hirsch + overnight at Schutzhaus Vorderötscher mountain hut)
All transportation (airport/IBWISE HQ pick-up and drop-off, bus to/from Mariazell)
24/7 supervision and care by experienced IB educators and activity coaches
All CAS activities and excursions (hikes, farm visits, volunteering, workshops)
certificate with documented hours and activity descriptions

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Academics

The programme is built around the IB CAS framework, covering Creativity, Activity, and Service components in an immersive, experiential setting. Students engage in daily CAS reflections and debrief sessions led by Dr. Alexander Grubich, a certified IBO Professional Development workshop leader for CAS.

Each participant receives an official CAS certificate with documented hours, descriptions, and dates — suitable for IB portfolios and university applications. The focus is on local and global issues, and the programme offers tailored incentives for both Pre-IB and Mid-IB students.

What you'll do

Climbing
Hiking
Volunteering

Students take part in a rich variety of creative, active, and service-based activities throughout the week. Creative activities include learning traditional Austrian craftsmanship (e.g. forging), bread and butter making, cheese production at a local farm, and playing a traditional Austrian instrument.

Active pursuits include mountain hiking (including a 14 km walk), rope climbing, and Mountaincarts. Service activities include volunteering in the Ötscher national park with local rangers, cleaning up nature, helping in an outdoor kindergarten, and assisting at a local Austrian inn and mountain farm. Students also visit the historic Basilica of Mariazell and the Montan Museum Gusswerk.

Accommodation and food

Students stay at the cosy Hotel Weißer Hirsch (Wiener Straße 6, A-8630 Mariazell) for the majority of the trip on a half-board basis. On Day 5, students overnight in the traditional alpine mountain hut Schutzhaus Vorderötscher, located near the peak of the Ötscher (1893m), as part of the national park adventure.