Hochwechsel - spring trail, Waldbach-Mönichwald

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 11,9 km

Time 3:00 h

Uphill 438 hm

Downhill 327 hm

Highest point 1421 m

The Quellenweg leads you past small streams and springs around the Hochwechsel. Numerous rest areas invite you to linger and enjoy the idyllic landscape.

Due to the drought in the years 2002 and 2003, many public water suppliers had the problem to maintain the drinking water supply. For this reason, the Hochwechsel Water Association, consisting of the member communities of Mönichwald, Riegersberg, Vorau and Eichberg, was founded in 2006. 3 years later, the entire plant could already be put into operation. The plant comprises two spring catchments and a transport pipeline with a total length of approx. 23,000 m.

The two spring catchments (Gemeindewaldquelle, Putzquelle) can supply approx. 6000 people with drinking water during dry periods.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

from Mönichwald: in the direction of Hochwechsel, after 3 kilometers keep left in the direction of Hochwechsel lifts and Berggasthof Schwengerer, shortly before we keep left where we pass the Gasthof Spitzbauer All information about how to get there can be found at: Mönichwalder Schwaig
Waldbach-Mönichwald, Mönichwalder Schwaig

We start at the Mönichwalder Schwaig
From there we hike along to the crossroads near the community cross
There we follow the signs "Bachgrubenweg".
After about 40 minutes we reach the crossroads, where we keep to the left.
Now we come to the spring of the Hochwechsel Quellenweg
We stay on this path
After several serpentines we keep left
On the right we go to the Vorauer Schwaig
On the way back we pass by the Kaltwiesenhütte, where we can refresh ourselves

European emergency call: 112
Emergency call mountain rescue: 140 (if possible please provide GPS data)
Rescue: 144
Fire brigade: 122
Police: 133

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

Hikers should avoid visits to the forest about 1.5 hours before sunrise and after sunset, as wild animals are particularly active during 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 lighting fires are strictly forbidden in the forest!
In principle, every person is allowed to pick 2 kg of mushrooms and berries per day for personal use. It is only prohibited if the forest owner expressly forbids it.
Small backpack with water bottle (+ provisions)
Sturdy shoes
Appropriate clothing - if possible several layers - "onion principle".
Rain and sun protectionWalking sticks as required
Mobile phone
Small first aid kit
Route description
Before starting the hike, check the possibilities for refreshments, including opening times, or pack appropriate food and drink.

At the Mönichwalder Schwaig, special treats await hikers: the spicy Alm-Palatschinke and the Wechselland dessert are just a few examples.

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

Tourism Association East Styria
Office Joglland - Waldheimat
8255 St. Jakob im Walde, church quarter 24
Tel.: +43 3336 20255

Joglland-Waldheimat
Eastern Styria

current weather

Mobility Eastern Styria with shared taxi SAM

Regio Bus

Community Mönichwald, Tel.: +43 (0) 3336 4478
gde@moenichwald.steiermark.at
www.moenichwald.at