HWW-Hiking route: Mönichkirchen - Hochwechsel (circular trail)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 25,7 km

Time 7:50 h

Uphill 933 hm

Downhill 925 hm

Highest point 1742 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.

This extensive HWW hiking route leads from Mönichkirchen via the Niederwechsel to the Hochwechsel/Wetterkoglerhaus and from there via the Vorauer Schwaig and Alte Glashütte back to Mönichkirchen. Due to the fierce fighting in April and May 1945, many soldiers fell in Wechselland and the surrounding area. At the HWW station Niederwechsel you can find out which military cemeteries there are in Wechselland.

Best season

January

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Arrival by car
from Graz

Take the A2 highway in the direction of Graz.
Leave the A2 at the Pinggau exit.
Take the 3rd exit at the traffic circle.
Follow the road along the B63.
Change to the B54 in the direction of Mönichkirchen/Vienna.

from Vienna

Leave the A2 at the Edlitz-Aspang exit.
Follow the B54 to Mönichkirchen.

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 stop at the Vorauer Schwaig or Hallerhaus for refreshments.

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
Tel.: +43 3339/25110-19
wechselland@oststeiermark.com
www.oststeiermark.com