recommended route
Hike around Strassengel
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Lindenkreuzkapelle (C) Auer MartinaPhoto: Brucher Meike, Region Graz
OberGraz is an outstandingly spiritual region, exemplified in the many churches closely associated with the origins of Styria. One of them is the 14th-century pilgrimage church of Maria Strassengel, majestically enthroned on the Kirchberg north of Graz. It is one of the most beautiful High Gothic sacred buildings in Austria, which is no doubt why it has earned its pet name of “Steierischer Steffl”, or Styrian St Stephen’s Cathedral. A guided tour has much for you to marvel at – the “root cross” formed by nature, the “Madonna of the Wheat Ears”, refulgent stained glass, and the highest smokehouse in Styria. Or you can simply fill up on energy, for example enjoying the last rays of the sun from the old tavern opposite the provost house.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Rest stops
Cafe-Konditorei Pension MarianneKirchenwirt
Bäckerei Cafe Leitner
Safety information
Hiking paths in OberGraz are generally easy to negotiate. Nevertheless, you should choose hiking routes that correspond to your level of fitness and surefootedness. Wear solid shoes; rucksack contents should include first-aid kit, drinking flask, provisions, sun cream, rain and cold protection – and off you go!Tips and hints
Guided tours of the church of Maria Strassengel by appointment8111 Gratwein–Strassengel
T +43 3124 51 25 5
maria-strassengel@graz-seckau.at
Refreshment points: Marianne confectioners, Kirchenwirt (church inn), and the Cuuk, Lammer, and Posch inns
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
After about 45 minutes you’ll hit the Höhenweg (Grazer-Umland-Weg GUW 563) from Graz Gösting to Plankenwarth. Branch off to the right and after a few minutes you’ll reach the mighty “Bilderbuche”, an ancient beech decorated with crosses and pictures from hikers. Here, the Höhenweg 563 path crosses the hiking path 30 from Thal.
Stay on the Höhenweg 563 and enjoy the splendid view. After a short descent you can make a detour up at the right to the grave of the “Generalin” on the Generalkogel (the former chatelaine of Plankenwarth Castle is buried here with her three favourite dogs). We walk along forest paths and through a beautiful deciduous forest towards Plankenwarth Castle. The pilgrims’ path from Thal crosses at the wayside shrine. Keep right and follow the asphalt road. At the former Binder inn, follow the gently ascending road in the direction of St Oswald until you reach Plankenwarth Castle (privately owned). At the castle car park the way takes you to the right and into the woods. Follow trail no. 12 in the direction of the Lindenkreuz chapel.
After about a quarter of an hour you’ll reach the chapel, built in 1812. It is an inviting place for you to take a pleasant break before you wander on to the metalled road towards the Kugelberg hill. Yet again a wonderful view opens up onto the pilgrimage church of Maria Strassengel. At the first fork in the path, descend on trail no. 14. You’ll reach the town centre of Strassengel after approximately an hour and a half.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Hikers can easily arrive without a car by using bus or train services. The frequent S1 trains between Graz and Bruck/Mur make reaching OberGraz easy. (Judendorf–Strassengel railway station)More details on train and bus connections: www.verbundlinie.at and www.oebb.at
By road
From northern Graz to the district of Judendorf–Strassengel, in the direction of Gratwein–Strassengel.Parking
Car park at Maria Strassengel cemetery; Park&Ride car park at Judendorf-Strassengel railway station. There are also numerous parking options in Strassengel town centre (main square).Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
OberGraz erwandern
Wanderkarte im Tourismusbüro in Deutschfeistritz erhältlich
Equipment
We recommend you take sufficient drinks and provisions with you. Refreshment points are scarce along the route.Wear sturdy footwear. Rucksack contents should include a first-aid set, drinking bottle, provisions, sun, rain and cold protection – and off you go!
Statistics
- 9 Waypoints
- 9 Waypoints
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