HWW-Hiking route: Hartberg-trail

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 35,0 km

Time 9:45 h

Uphill 731 hm

Downhill 792 hm

Highest point 883 m

This HWW hiking route is part of the Wechselland Historical Long-Distance Hiking Trail (HWW), which tells the story of Wechselland along more than 100 HWW stations. More information can be found at www.wechsel-wandern.at.

At least parts of the Hartberg Trail have probably been used since prehistoric times. This path over the 918-metre-high Hartberg (municipality of Schäffern / market town of Mönichkirchen) was the central route used for development in the 11th century and settlement from the 12th century onwards. It was not until around 1300 that the path over the Hartberg lost its importance due to the similar Tauchen path. The HWW route Hartberg-Pfad follows the historical route from the Hartberg via Spital am Hartberg to Friedberg, Dechantskirchen, Kroisbach, Lafnitz and St. Ilgen. At the Spital am Hartberg HWW station, you will learn details about the history of the Hartberg Trail and at the Spital/Holzhaus HWW station, you will learn about the history of the abandoned Ägidius Church.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Arrival by car

Drive along the A2 highway to the Zöbern exit.
Then follow the signs to Aspang.

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 a visit to the Thonet Museum in Friedberg, which offers fascinating insights into the history of the world-famous furniture manufacturer.

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

Historical long-distance hiking trail Wechselland
www.wechsel-wandern.at
Historical Association Wechselland
Chairman Dr. Andreas Salmhofer
Tel: +43 664/400 27 17
info@geschichte-wechselland.at
www.geschichte-wechselland.at

Find out about hiking maps, cycling maps, 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
Herbal Region Wechselland office
Main square 20, 8240 Friedberg
T: +43 3339/25110-19
wechselland@oststeiermark.com
www.oststeiermark.com