Discovery Tour 7 - Vorau / St.Lorenzen am Wechsel / Rohrbach an der Lafnitz / Hartberg / Pöllau / Vorau

The tour in numbers

Route 85,0 km

Time 5:35 h

Uphill 1265 hm

Downhill 1265 hm

Highest point 914 m

Enjoyable cycle tour through the East Styrian hills

Our tour starts in Vorau, a charming town with historical flair. From here, the route leads through rolling hills to Pöllau, where a first stop is worthwhile. The imposing Pöllau Castle, also known as the “Styrian St. Peter's Cathedral”, impresses with its baroque architecture. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can unwind in the idyllic Pöllau Valley Nature Park.

The route continues to Hartberg, a town full of history and modern art. Perfect for a break: the new hARTberg Walk, an open-air gallery with impressive graffiti artworks. A stroll through the charming old town rounds off the visit.

Refreshed, the route continues to Rohrbach and into the picturesque Wechselland region. Passing the mysterious Thalberg Castle, the route leads to Dechantskirchen, where a very special refreshment stop awaits: Flourl's Schenke. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking view from the new Wexlkino cinema with a drink in your hand.

If that's not enough panorama for you, you should definitely take a break at the Hohenau chapel - a real insider tip for a moment of peace in the midst of nature. The route then continues up to St. Lorenzen, which is part of the famous flower route. A real highlight awaits here: the Aerosolium, a freely accessible place that invigorates the lungs with fresh, healthy air.

The tour leads back to Vorau via Bruck an der Lafnitz, where the small but beautiful 3-Tannen-Bad offers the perfect refreshment after the cycle tour. A dip in the cool water - the crowning glory of an unforgettable day on two wheels!

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

By car:

From Vienna: A2 exit Pinggau - Rohrbach-Vorau
From Graz: A2 exit Pinkafeld or Hartberg - Rohrbach - Vorau

Detailed information on how to get here can be found here.
Vorau, Vorau Abbey (free)

The tour is not signposted throughout. Route guidance with app recommended.

Important telephone numbers:

European emergency call: 112
Emergency call mountain rescue: 140 (if possible, please provide GPS data)
Rescue: 144
Fire brigade: 122
Police: 133
The trail is easy to walk and therefore suitable for the whole family.

Correct behaviour when hiking: Rules of behaviour when hiking

A few tips on correct and fair behaviour in the forest: (Source: https://www.bundesforste.at/english.html)

Hikers should avoid visiting the forest approx. 1.5 hours before sunrise and after sunset, as wild animals are particularly active at this time.
Plastic bottles, handkerchiefs, cigarette butts etc. have no place in the forest! Please make sure that you do not leave any rubbish in the forest.
Camping and making fires is strictly forbidden in the forest!
In principle, every person in the forest is allowed to collect 2kg of mushrooms and berries per day for their own use. It is only prohibited if the forest owner expressly forbids it.

Equipment

small rucksack with water bottle (+ provisions)
Sturdy shoes
Appropriate clothing - preferably several layers - "onion principle"
Rain and sun protection
Hiking poles as required
Mobile phone
Small first aid kit
Route description
Before starting the hike, check where you can stop for refreshments, including opening times, or pack suitable provisions.

We recommend:

in Pöllau: Pöllau Castle impresses with its baroque architecture. The castle park in Pöllau is a wonderful place to relax.
in Hartberg: The hARTberg Walk shows impressive graffiti art. The historic old town invites you to linger in its cozy cafés.
in Dechantskirchen: In Flourl's Schenke, you can enjoy the panoramic view over a drink. The Hohenau chapel is a perfect resting place with a great view.
in St. Lorenzen: The Aerosolium offers healthy air and is good for the lungs.
in Vorau: At the end of the tour, the 3 Firs Bath provides a refreshing dip.

Timetables and travel information can be found at Österreichischen Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) or at Verkehrsauskunft Verbundlinie.
For local transportation we recommend the SAM-Sammeltaxi Oststeiermark.

Please note whether you are allowed to take your bike with you if you are traveling by public transport.

Find out about hiking maps, cycling maps and excursion destination maps and other tour tips at the tourist office.

You can also order information material on our website from the comfort of your own home.

Eastern Styria Tourist Board
Joglland-Waldheimat
8255 St. Jakob im Walde
Tel.: 03336/20255
info@joglland.at
www.oststeiermark.com