The Hochschwab offers something for everyone

Out and about in a breathtaking landscape

With 100 peaks and 40 valleys, the Hochschwab region offers an impressive variety of landscapes to explore. Go hiking, climb mountain trails or simply enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the scenery. There’s plenty to discover, including cycling and e-bike routes for all kinds of riders, as well as mountain bike trails.

In winter, snow lovers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ski touring and tobogganing. The Hochschwab and Pogusch alpine region offers a range of ways to make the most of the season.

Pure drinking water from the depths of the Hochschwab

Deep within the Hochschwab lies a hidden treasure: pure, clear drinking water. While it runs across the mountain range’s rocks and stones, it absorbs many valuable minerals and trace elements. After a long journey through the region’s drinking water pipeline, the water from the Hochschwab ends up refreshing the inhabitants of Vienna and Graz.

Winter sports in Aflenz

Natural snow as far as the eye can see, pristine snow-covered mountain faces, crisp air, sledging runs with several kilometres’ length – and all of it in one small and charming ski resort. Snowshoeing, sledging, skiing and ski touring in the winter wonderland of >Aflenzer Bürgeralm are perfect activities to leave your cares behind. In summer, Bürgeralm is a popular starting point for hiking tours in the Hochschwab area.

Good to know: In 1920, Aflenz was named a climatic health resort, thus becoming Hochsteiermark’s only certified health resort.

Wintersports in Turnau

At the foot of the Hochschwab massif lies the Schwabenbergarena Turnau. Four slopes of varying difficulty, family-friendly runs, and a lit piste for night skiing guarantee fun for young and old alike.

Never skied before? No problem! The Hochschwab Ski School specializes in getting beginners and returning skiers fit for the slopes.

Tip: For a mid-slope refreshment, visit the GAMSerl, located directly on the piste. The menu features Styrian home-style cuisine and the region’s traditional dish, Fedlkoch.

Other small but charming ski areas include the Eichfeldlift in Turnau and the Seeberg Ski Lifts.

Additional winter activities in Turnau: Two cross-country skiing trails (one on the "Lanzen" with a nearby access point and one on the Seebergalm, snow-secure with high mountain views), an ice-skating rink, and numerous avalanche-safe ski and snowshoe tours on the surrounding local mountains, including the Turnauer Hochanger.

More about the Schwabenbergarena Turnau

Hiking and walking in summer

In summer, walking trails like the Heilkräutermeile (herbal mile) in Aflenz or the lovingly designed Wasser.Wander.Wunder.Weg near Bodenbauer restaurant offer great opportunities to relax and unwind. The different stops along the way invite you to marvel, enjoy the smells and take a break.

For all those who love mountain hiking, the Hochschwab mountain range is the place to be. Whether you prefer single-day tours or long-distance hiking – both is possible there. And that’s not all: Mountain bikers love the area and its action-packed trails too.

Our tip: Stop by Schiestlhaus below Hochschwab summit! It’s the first ever high-alpine passive house and the highest located mountain hut of the Hochschwab mountain range.

Hiking in Hochsteiermark

Jakobusweg in Turnau

Idyllically located, with breathtaking views. The circular hiking trail is called “Jakobusweg” because you can see the parish church of Turnau, dedicated to St. James, from many prominent points.

The entire hike covers 10 km without any steep inclines or declines, making it family-friendly, although a certain level of fitness is required.

Tip: After the hike, stop off at Café-Konditorei Seidl in Turnau – a “Gamsei” is a real insider tip, accompanied by a cup of coffee.

More details Jakobusweg

Ready for take-off at Aflenzer Bürgeralm

Aflenzer Bürgeralm not only offers breathtaking views, it’s also a perfect spot for take-off. More precisely, a marked take-off spot for paragliders and hanggliders is located there. However, before soaring up into the air, you should take a minute to savour the exceptional views. Weather permitting, you can see as far as the Schöckl in the south and Seeberg, Schießling, Veitsch, the Rax and Schneeberg in the east. To the north, there’s the mighty Hochschwab mountain range, and to the west Tragöß, Messnerin mountain and Präbichl mountain pass.

Excursion tip: Paragliding flights with qualified pilots can be booked via GollnhubAIR. Paracenter Austria offers tandem flights as well. What’s more, they are the organisers of the “AiRRock Paragliding Testival” and the “MountainRock” relay competition, both of which take place at Aflenzer Bürgeralm.

Lanzen Airfield in Turnau

The Lanzen Turnau airfield, thanks to its prime location on the edge of the Hochschwab massif and excellent thermal conditions, is a popular destination for glider pilots from Austria and abroad. It is ideal for performance gliding as well as for pilots who want to enjoy a scenic flight over Upper Styria.

Taster flights are offered in a two-seater glider, allowing passengers to experience the stunning mountain scenery from a silent, bird’s-eye perspective. There is also the option to explore Hochsteiermark in a motorized Dimona from Lanzen. Gift vouchers for a flying experience are available at affordable prices.

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Wildlife at Hochschwab

Chamois, ibexes and more

If you have a bit of patience, chances are you will spot some of the region’s native animals. After all, the Hochschwab is home to Europe’s largest population of chamois. With a bit of luck, you can also see ibexes, red deer and even aeries! And there’s more: snow grouse, black grouse, mountain cocks and lovely fire salamanders.

Apart from many mountain animals, the green heart of Austria also boasts a rich alpine flora, ranging from rare alpine herbs to orchids. If you would like to find out more about the history and nature of the Hochschwab region, we recommend having a look at the showrooms located at the old “Bodenbauerkeusche” hut’s Hochschwab museum in Thörl, St. Ilgen.

Explore Hochschwab museum

From the past to the present

Culture lovers are sure to enjoy the magnificent historic buildings of Thörl. For some fascinating insights into the life of former generations, we recommend a guided tour of Hammerherrenhaus. Towering above Thörl, you can see the impressive 15th century Schachenstein Castle Ruins. Today, Thörl Castle and the adjoining chapel – which is dedicated to Saint Barbara, patron saint of miners – are used for special occasions. The castle was first mentioned in a document in the 14th century. Between the 17th and 19th century, it was thoroughly renovated.

Delicious local venison

The chamois might be cute to watch – but they also taste delicious. Being home to Europe’s largest population of chamois, the area is known for its many tasty venison dishes prepared with chamois, deer or other local meat. That’s why we recommend dropping by one (or several) of the region’s 14 Wilde Wirte and enjoying roast saddle of venison or venison stew.

Restaurants in Hochsteiermark