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From Stiwoll to the pilgrimage site of St Pankrazen and back

Hiking route · Region Graz
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  • Blick auf Gschnaidt im Herbst
    Blick auf Gschnaidt im Herbst
    Photo: Pater Martin - Stift Rein, Region Graz
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m 800 700 600 500 400 12 10 8 6 4 2 km Purkwirt Kirche St. Pankrazen Gasthof Schwaiger ***
This hike is a pilgrimage for the body and the mind.
moderate
Distance 12.8 km
4:00 h
395 m
395 m
768 m
491 m
Along the West Styrian Way of St James you can enjoy a glorious view of the alpine pasture region around Koralpe and Gleinalm.

Author’s recommendation

The church dedicated to the Early Christian Roman martyr of St Pancras is a favourite destination for pilgrims. The excellent cuisine of the two village innkeepers has long been a tip for foodies, which is why we recommend you book a table, especially at weekends.
Profile picture of Meike Brucher
Author
Meike Brucher
Update: November 23, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
768 m
Lowest point
491 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 37.92%Dirt road 3.43%Forested/wild trail 12.98%Path 13.58%Road 32.06%
Asphalt
4.9 km
Dirt road
0.4 km
Forested/wild trail
1.7 km
Path
1.7 km
Road
4.1 km
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Rest stops

Gasthof Schwaiger ***
Purkwirt

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

Gschnaidt has a population of 341. Since 2015 the former township has been assimilated into Gratwein–Strassengel. Gschnaidt is difficult to access by public transport.

The Late Romanesque church in Stiwoll is well worth a visit. Among its treasures are the Barbara bell, one of the oldest bells in Styria, the fresco of St Christopher on the north side, the baptismal font, and the skeleton placed lower in front of the altar, which probably belonged to the founder of the first chapel.

Start

Church square in Stiwoll (490 m)
Coordinates:
DD
47.101942, 15.218662
DMS
47°06'07.0"N 15°13'07.2"E
UTM
33T 516592 5216515
w3w 
///systemic.charcoal.trickling

Destination

Church square in Stiwoll

Turn-by-turn directions

From the church square in Stiwoll the route leads westwards along the state road in the direction of Gschnaidt / St Pankrazen to the Stiwollgraben. Here, you take the right fork after the bridge and follow the markings past the Spiers chapel into the idyllic pilgrimage place of St Pankrazen situated on a hillside ridge in the former municipality of Gschnaidt. As refreshment points the two pleasant inns provide great home cooking for the body, while the church of St Pancras provides peace of mind.

Follow trail no. 548 southwards to Wolf am Egg, move on along trail no. 542 and enjoy the breathtaking view until you reach the Moritzkreuz cross. Then turn left and march along trail no. 20 past the Lourdes grotto and back to Stiwoll.

Note


all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Hikers can easily arrive without a car by using bus, train, or GUSTMobil minivan services.

GUSTmobil minivan stop nearby: 1709

Rides can be booked a minimum of 60 minutes before desired departures by telephone (0123 500 44 11), or via Internet (www.ISTmobil.at), using the app. (business hours: Monday – Saturday: 6am – 12 midnight, Sundays & public holidays: 6am – 10pm)

Getting there

By car from Graz via Hitzendorf or St Oswald near Plankenwarth to Stiwoll.

Parking

There are plenty of parking options in the centre of Stiwoll.

Coordinates

DD
47.101942, 15.218662
DMS
47°06'07.0"N 15°13'07.2"E
UTM
33T 516592 5216515
w3w 
///systemic.charcoal.trickling
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Wanderkarte Tourismusverband Region OberGraz / Wanderkarte 2. Auflage

Author’s map recommendations

OberGraz erwandern 2. Auflage

Equipment

We recommend you take sufficient drinks and provisions with you because there are no refreshment points along the route.

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Photos from others

Difficulty
moderate
Distance
12.8 km
Duration
4:00 h
Ascent
395 m
Descent
395 m
Highest point
768 m
Lowest point
491 m
Circular route Scenic

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  • 4 Waypoints
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