Winter hike up the Stuhleck

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 7,7 km

Time 2:30 h

Uphill 404 hm

Downhill 400 hm

Highest point 1779 m

Experience a winter mountain tour with panoramic views: from Pfaffensattel, the route leads over gentle ridges up to Stuhleck – accompanied by glistening snow, fresh mountain air, and a warm welcome at the Alois-Günther-Haus. An ideal excursion for anyone who loves quiet winter moments but still wants a summit experience.

From the starting point at Pfaffensattel, the trail climbs steadily but pleasantly through a peaceful forest and mountain landscape. After just a few meters, the view of the surrounding peaks opens up, and with every step you take, you can feel more of the clear, wintery energy of the Stuhleck.
The summit is a special experience in winter: wide snowfields, an open summit plateau, and a panorama that stretches deep into the Alps on clear days. Directly below the summit, the Alois-Günther-Haus invites you to take a well-deserved break—warm, cozy, and ideal for refreshments before heading back the same way to Pfaffensattel.
The tour is technically easy, well marked, and perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed but impressive winter hike with a summit destination. Snowshoes are recommended depending on conditions.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

From Vienna: Take the S6 towards Semmering. Exit at Spital am Semmering and follow the L117, or at Gloggnitz via the Feistritzsattel or at Krieglach via the Alpl to Rettenegg.

From Graz: Take the B64 through Weiz and Birkfeld to Rettenegg.

Start: Pfaffensattel Forest road up to Stuhleck Either take the same route back or take a shortcut through the forest (pay attention to the trail conditions).

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.

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.

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

You can find information about the region, places to stop and stay overnight, excursion destinations, etc. here:

Eastern Styria Tourism Association
Joglland-Waldheimat office
8255 St. Jakob im Walde
Tel.: 03336/20255
www.joglland.at
www.oststeiermark.com

Current weather

Mobility Eastern Styria with shared taxi SAM 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.