Stage 25 From Glacier to Wine North Route Almenland Brandlucken - Anger

Accessible by public transport

Public bus (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 13,7 km

Time 4:30 h

Uphill 228 hm

Downhill 871 hm

Highest point 1273 m

From alpine pastures to apples: this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads from the idyllic alpine and forest landscapes of the Almenland Nature Park to Anger, the gateway to Apfelland, Austria's largest apple-growing region. This is one of the more leisurely stages of the long-distance trail from the Dachstein to the wine country. Nevertheless, the descent of almost 800 metres in altitude into the Feistritz Valley should not be underestimated and requires a certain level of fitness and sure-footedness. In return, hikers are rewarded with a varied landscape that gradually transitions from alpine pastures and forests to the gently rolling hills and orchards that characterise eastern Steiermark. The stage marks a noticeable change in scenery and offers a first taste of the cultural landscape for which Apfelland is renowned.

One of the highlights along this stage is the Rauchstubenhaus, a fascinating museum that provides insights into the everyday life, traditions, and culture of the mountain farmers and craftsmen of earlier generations.

In the historic smoke room (Rauchstube), meat is still smoked and meals are prepared over an open fire, just as they were in the past. Original furnishings, tools used by farmers, shingle makers, thatchers, coopers, shoemakers, tailors, and weavers, as well as historic paintings and documents, offer a vivid impression of life in former times. More than 300 exhibits tell stories of the hardships, achievements, and everyday experiences of past generations.

Another highlight awaits directly in Anger: the historic Feistritztal Railway. Travelling on this charming narrow-gauge railway feels like stepping back in time. The line runs from Weiz through the Feistritz Valley via Anger and Koglhof to Birkfeld in the Joglland region.

During the journey, passengers experience a slower pace of life while travelling through rolling hills, orchards, meadows, and forests. The Feistritztal Railway has been operating in the region for around 100 years and remains one of the most scenic railway experiences in Austria. Its leisurely pace allows visitors to discover countless details of the landscape that would otherwise pass unnoticed.

Best season

January

February

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More information

Detailed information on how to get to can be found here.

From Brandlucken in the Almenland Nature Park, the route initially heads south to the Schönes Kreuz junction. Here, we keep left towards the Hoher Zetz, which at 1,264 metres above sea level is the local mountain of Anger. Along the way, hikers can stop at the Eibisberg Shelter House (Tel. +43 3179 8332), which is open daily except Tuesdays.

Shortly before reaching the summit, this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine branches off to the left. Nevertheless, the short detour to the summit of the Hoher Zetz is highly recommended. The small rest area around the summit cross offers magnificent views of the landscapes that await on the coming stages, stretching across Apfelland, the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park, and towards the historic town of Hartberg.

Returning to the main route, the trail begins its descent into the Feistritz Valley. Following a series of gentle switchbacks, hikers arrive at the Rauchstubenhaus (Tel. +43 3175 2460), a fascinating museum that provides valuable insights into the traditional way of life in the region and is well worth a visit.

The route then continues to the market town of Anger, nestled among orchards, fields, and forests in the heart of the Feistritz Valley. Numerous beautifully preserved historic buildings, the attractive market square, and the imposing parish church bear witness to more than 650 years of history as a cultural and economic centre of the Upper Feistritz Valley.

And there is another sign that the journey towards the wine country is progressing: in Anger, hikers encounter some of the first traditional Buschenschänken, which are such an integral part of the lifestyle and culinary culture of Steiermark. They also play an important role in the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park, the destination of the following stage.

In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Styria, Eastern Styria and Southern and Western Styria, the GenussCard opens the door to over 200 excursion destinations when you stay overnight in one of the approximately 100 GenussCard partner establishments. Countless of these GenussCard excursion destinations, ranging from culinary manufactories to bathing lakes and museums, are located directly on the hiking route "From Glacier to Wine".

Accessible by train and bus: detailed information about arriving by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) can be found at www.oebb.at or on the Verbundlinie Steiermark website www.busbahnbim.at

With Verbundlinie’s BusBahnBim route planner app, planning your journey has never been easier: simply enter towns and/or addresses, stop names or points of interest to check all bus, train and tram connections in Austria. The app is available free of charge for smartphones – on Google Play and in the App Store

A large parking lot is available on the Brandlucken, as the Barndlucken is one of the most popular hiking starting points in the Almenland Nature Park.

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com

Kompass WK221 Grazer Bergland, Fischbacher Alpen, Joglland, Oststeirisches Raabtal, Wechsel www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK21 Grazer Bergland · Schöckl · Teichalm · Stubenbergsee www.freytagberndt.at