Europa-Besinnungsweg

Characteristics

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 0,6 km

Time 0:10 h

Uphill 19 hm

Downhill 1 hm

Highest point 742 m

In vier Stationen werden Heilige und deren Bedeutung für Europa dargestellt: 1. Station: Apostel Jakobus, 2. Station: Heiliger Benedikt von Nursia, 3. Station: Cyrill und Methodius (Apostel der Slawen), 4. Station: Katharina von Siena, Brigitta von Schweden und Edith Stein ("Heilige Frauen"), reine Gehzeit: ca. 10 Minuten

In 2000, the Europa Reflection Path was erected on the last section of the pilgrimage route. The stone steles are decorated with enamel paintings by FRANZ WEISS depicting saints and their significance for Europe. The apostle St James the Elder illustrates the significance of a place of blessing and the characteristics of pilgrimage. The following depictions on the stelae show the patron saints of Europe: St Benedict of Nursia as the father of Western monasticism, Cyril and Methodius as the apostles of the Slavs. The last three modern stelae, which stand below the pilgrimage church, are dedicated to holy women: St Catherine of Siena, the patron saint of Rome; St Bridget of Sweden, the patron saint of pilgrims; and Edith Stein, who died in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Best season

January

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More information

The Pöllau Valley Nature Park is located in the heart of Eastern Styria, the garden of Austria, approx. 60 km north-east of Graz and approx. 150 km south of Vienna

By car from Vienna If you are driving from Vienna to Pöllau bei Hartberg, take the A2 towards Graz and drive about 110 kilometres until you reach the Hartberg exit. From there, follow the B54 in the direction of Pöllau.

By car from Graz To get to Pöllau bei Hartberg from Graz, take the A2 motorway in the direction of Vienna. After about 30 kilometres, take the Gleisdorf West exit and then take the B54 towards Hartberg/Pöllau. Follow the B54 for about 25 kilometres until you reach Pöllau.

By car from Salzburg To get to Pöllau bei Hartberg from Salzburg, take the A1 motorway towards Vienna. Drive about 110 kilometres to exit 109 (Salzburg junction). There change to the A9 motorway in the direction of Graz. At St. Michael, follow the S6 towards Kapfenberg. Continue on the S6 until the Krieglach exit. From there, take the B72 and then the L405 to Pöllau.

Naturparkarena (vor der Ortseinfahrt von Pöllauberg)

From the Naturparkarena car park, we take a short walk towards the Pöllauberg pilgrimage church. You visit four stations, which show saints and their significance for Europe. The path is easy to follow.

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: )

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.

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.

Timetables and travel information can be found at Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) or at Verkehrsauskunft Verbundlinie.

For local transport we recommend the SAM-Sammeltaxi Oststeiermark. HF5809 Oberneuberg - Pöllauberg Ort

ÖBB

Verkehrsauskunft Verbundlinie

SAM

Information about the region, places to stop for refreshments and overnight accommodation, excursion destinations etc. can be found here:

Tourism region Eastern Styria Nature Park Pöllauer Valley office Schloss 1, 8225 Pöllau, Austria Phone: +43 3335 4210 www.naturpark-poellauertal.atwww.oststeiermark.com

Current weather (+ Link: https://www.zamg.ac.at/cms/en/weather

Mobility Eastern Styria with shared taxi SAM (+ Link: https://www.steiermark.com/en/Oststeiermark/Plan-your-holiday/Excursion-destinations/SAM-Community-Taxi-Easten-Styria_isd_5921418

Kompass Map, Hiking Map Nature Park Pöllauer Valley 1:30,000

Find out about maps, hiking brochures and other tour tips at the tourist office. You can also order information material on our website from the comfort of your own home.

Tourism region Eastern Styria Nature Park Pöllauer Valley office Schloss 1, 8225 Pöllau Tel: www.naturpark-poellauertal.at www.oststeiermark.com

Rother hiking guide "Oststeiermark - Von den Fischbacher Alpen bis in die Thermenregion", 50 tours, Elisabeth Zienitzer & Silvia Sarcletti paperback, ISBN-10, 376334577 available in bookshops