Hiking and climbing in Erzberg-Leoben
Adventures up in lofty heights
On diverse hiking trails and via ferratas, nature lovers can hike their way to summit joy. The Erzberg-Leoben region offers a variety of adventures in the mountains in both summer and winter. Your search for a high-alpine challenge will lead you to the most demanding via ferratas in Austria. And if you’re up for a multi-day tour, your journey might even take you far beyond the limits of Erzberg-Leoben on the region’s extensive range of hiking trails.
The Styrian Iron Trail
The "Styrian Iron Trail" lets hikers explore the region of Erzberg-Leoben in 10 stages. The trail leads over 200 kilometres and 9000 metres of altitude through the 14 communities of the adventure and sports region. It combines scenic beauty with mining history.
The trail can be divided into 3 different levels of difficulty and leads past the most important excursion destinations in the region. In addition, almost all section stops can be reached by public transport, making it easier to divide the route.
Wilder Berg: adventures for kids and grown-ups
Animal lovers of all ages will have a lot of fun at Wilder Berg in Mautern. At the 65-hectare wildlife park, lynxes, bears, fawns, wild cats and many other animals can be marvelled at. Three wheels will make your visit even more adventurous, or rather: a ride on the specially designed mountain karts. Or how about an exciting descent on the Wiesengleiter, the alpine coaster on Wilder Berg?
On the Mufflwalk, you can get a great view of what's happening at the park. The scenic-view platform is a good seven metres high and can be found right next to the mouflon enclosure.
On foot or comfortably by lift or bus: Wilder Berg is easily accessible for all visitors. Those who prefer to explore it on foot can expect not only beautiful surroundings, but also several themed stations on the topics of wood, forests, and nature. Many exciting aha-moments guaranteed!
Climbing in Erzberg-Leoben
Impressive and challenging: These two words best describe the via ferratas around Erzberg-Leoben. The routes are among the most difficult in Austria and make the region a true eldorado for climbing enthusiasts. Once at the summit, nature lovers can enjoy stunning views of the Eisenerz Alps.
However, this special thrill isn’t something only seasoned climbers get to experience. Beginners can try their hand at climbing on various via ferratas in the difficulty levels A/B – for instance, on TAC-Spitze.
Guided hikes and climbing tours
Thanks to helpful tips and accompanied by experienced mountain guides like Christian "Kuni" Endler, beginners head towards summit joy. The Eisenerz-ALPIN Alpine School is the first port of call when it comes to guided climbing tours in the Eisenerz Alps, in the Gesäuse range, or in the Hochschwab mountains. Its offers range from high-altitude to bivouac and via ferrata tours.
On a hike with Wilma, your climbing experience will be complemented by mindfulness exercises from qigong or yoga. These exercises not only revitalise the body but also refresh the mind. Activities with animals round off the diverse list of special hiking offers: On an alpaca or llama tour, you’re bound to forget your everyday stresses after just a few steps.
Hiking and culinary delights
On the sundecks of the local alpine huts, you can experience moments of exquisite culinary pleasure. The Kulinarium Steiermark establishments, in particular, prepare authentic Styrian delicacies for their guests.
Most of the food and drinks served there are made with products from the region. At the same time, the hosts and chefs are not afraid to think outside the box and to try new things – much to the delight of their guests, who can choose from a variety of traditional dishes as well as modern creations.
Listen up, hikers: If you want to enjoy authentic Styrian cuisine, keep your eyes peeled for the "green heart" – a seal of quality that the Kulinarium Steiermark establishments were awarded.
Erzberg-Leoben: a lot more than just hiking
Erzberg-Leoben’s hiking trails are as multifaceted as the possibilities for activities in the region. Sports enthusiasts can practice and test almost any sport in Erzberg-Leoben. What’s more, you can easily combine various activities. A great example of this is the trend combo Bike&Hike.
The first part of the route can be covered on two wheels and, after you have safely parked your bike, you’ll continue your journey on foot. Even better: The hotels in Erzberg-Leoben are often located near the starting points of the Bike&Hike routes. That means you can leave your car parked at your accommodation. This not only helps protect the environment but also saves you the time and energy that you would usually spend on trying to find a parking space.
