large raab gorge, Mortantsch

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 10,1 km

Time 3:30 h

Uphill 350 hm

Downhill 150 hm

Highest point 573 m

Main route through the longest gorge in Austria (Natura 2000 protected area). The great Raabklamm gorge is a breath-taking hiker's paradise and at the same time habitat for numerous rare animal and plant species. On hot summer days, the Raab provides cooling with its fresh, clear mountain water.

The Great Raab Gorge with a length of about 10 kilometers was declared a nature reserve in 1970 and is now part of the NATURA 2000 network of the EU. While the southern part of the gorge captivates with its gloomy, fairy-tale atmosphere, the bizarre rock formations of the northern limestone part bear witness to the constant work of natural forces and give the gorge a wildly romantic character. Along rugged rock faces, beautiful gray alder meadows and accompanied by the rushing waters of the Raab River, you can hike and enjoy this pristine natural paradise on well secured and marked paths and footbridges. All junctions and paths are very well signposted and there are parking facilities for cars and buses at all entry points.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

The district capital of Weiz is located in eastern Styria and is very easy to reach via the A2 motorway from Vienna (approx. 1.5 h) and Graz (approx. 30 min).

Arrival from Vienna and from Graz:

On the A2 coming from Vienna and from Graz, take motorway exit 161 / Gleisdorf West in the direction of B54/B64. Follow the B65 / Gleisdorfer Bundesstraße until you reach the B54 / Wechselbundesstraße. At the roundabout, take the second exit north to the B64 / Rechberg-Bundesstraße. After approx. 15 km you will reach the city of Weiz. From Weizer Hauplatz drive 5km westwards on Grazer Straße in the direction of Gutenberg.

Route planner

Free parking at the GH Jägerwirt.

The main route no. 765 leads well-marked from the still-gelled Jägerwirt inn in the municipality of Mortantsch to Arzberg in the market town of Passail.
From the Jägerwirt, we march past the Hofleitensteg in a northerly direction. Shortly afterwards, we pass the Energie Steiermark power station and can see Gutenberg Castle towering high above the Raab River in a westerly direction.
We leave the Buchbauersteg on the left again and continue to the weir, where we cross the Raab for the first time. Now continue along the left side of the Raab.
Leave the next footbridge (Haselbachsteg) on the right and cross the river again at the Lehbauersteg.
This is followed by a fairly leisurely section that takes us further north, past the Weizerbrücke bridge and the Naasersteg bridge. At the Schreisteg we change the bank of the Raab for a third time.
From there we reach the tour destination in Arzberg in about 20 minutes walking time.

Important phone numbers:

Fire department: 122
Police: 133
Rescue service: 144
European emergency call: 112

A few short passages can be a bit slippery after rainfall.

The route description presented has been prepared to the best of our knowledge and belief.

It is based on interpretations of hiking maps and personal experiences of hikers and mountain sportsmen.

All descriptions are not to be considered as official hiking guides, the tourism region Weiz assumes no liability for the descriptions, route planning and tours and it is therefore highly recommended to use additional official map material from quality manufacturers, alpine clubs, nature lovers and other mountain sports institutions for individual route planning.

Please remember that hiking, walking, climbing and mountaineering are outdoor sports, which are influenced by the different individual physical condition, the personal condition of the day, the weather as well as the seasonal ground conditions and many other basic conditions and therefore a careful route planning adapted to the respective situation is necessary for the preparation.

We wish you an accident-free and eventful tour.

Small rucksack with water bottle (+ provisions)
Sturdy shoes
Appropriate clothing - preferably several layers - "onion principle"
Rain and sun protection
Hiking poles as required
Cell phone
Small first aid kit
Route description
Before starting the hike, check where you can stop for refreshments, including opening times, or pack suitable food and drink.

Pack a picnic basket and linger at one of the great spots along the Raab and enjoy nature. "Pack your swimming trunks..." on hot days there are plenty of places to cool off.

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

Information about the region, places to stop and stay, excursion destinations etc. can be found here:

Eastern Styria Tourist Board

Weiz office

Main square 18

8160 Weiz

Tel: +43 3172 2319 660

www.oststeiermark.com

weiz@oststeiermark.com

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.