Gundersdorf circular route Nr. S1 + S5

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 6,6 km

Time 2:00 h

Uphill 98 hm

Downhill 98 hm

Highest point 600 m

This loop hike captivates with its stunning scenery. It winds through blooming meadows, picturesque vineyards, and shady forests. The breathtaking views are simply enchanting!

You start at the parking lot of the Florlwirt Inn on the S1 hiking trail. After setting off, you pass under the highway bridge with its massive support pillars; the trail quickly winds through a vineyard typical of the Schilcher region. After a while, you reach the small settlement of Assingberg. From here, the path climbs somewhat more steeply through a wooded area up to Hochstraßen. Between Hochstraßen and Windhagen, it’s worth having binoculars and a camera handy. From here, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Kainach Valley, the Graz Mountains, and the Gleinalm. Take a moment to pause. After Windhagen, you’ll pass under the highway bridge once more and continue through forests, meadows, and vineyards until you reach the S5 hiking trail. Turn right at the S5 marker and take a leisurely stroll along the Schilcher Wine Route, through the Assing district, and back to the Florlwirt in Gundersdorf.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Coming from Graz via the A9, take the A2 toward Klagenfurt at the Graz-West interchange. Take the Lieboch exit and follow the B76 toward Lannach-Deutschlandsberg.

After a snack at the Florlwirt, you start off exhilarated from the car park of the inn on the hiking trail S1, the Große St. Stefan Rundweg. Immediately after the start, the trail runs under the motorway bridge with its massive supporting pillars, under which you slip. Then you will quickly realise that you are in the heart of Schilcherland, because the hiking trail runs across a typical vineyard. Just as the old vines pass on the energy from the soil to the vines, you too can feel the energy of this wonderful region and take it with you into your everyday life.

The entire tour is 6.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours until you reach the starting point. At the highest point of the tour, after about two kilometres, you are at 600 metres above sea level.

After a while you will reach the small settlement of Assingberg, a district of St. Stefan ob Stainz. From here, the trail climbs a little steeper through a forest to Hochstraßen. Enjoy the rustling of the leaves in spring or when the leaves crackle under your hiking boots in autumn. This way, you can climb the ascent with enthusiasm and verve.

Between Hochstraßen and Windhagen, it pays to have binoculars and a camera at hand. You won't be able to stop marvelling on this section. From here you have a magnificent view over the Kainach valley, the mountains of Graz and the Gleinalm. Stop for a moment and soak up the magic of the distant view.

After Windhagen, you pass under the motorway bridge once more and stroll through forest, flowering meadows and vineyards until you meet the S5 hiking trail. This section, which you have just covered, is characterised by the beauty of the West Styrian Schilcher region, especially but not only in autumn. Here you will certainly decide to return soon to St. Stefan ob Stainz.

Turn right at the S5 marker and stroll leisurely and with anticipation of the well-deserved glass of Schilcher along the Schilcher Wine Road, via the district of Assing back to the Florlwirt in Gundersdorf.

Take the opportunity to end the day in one of the cosy wine taverns on the Schilcher Wine Road, you won't regret it. The famous wine enchants with its fine acidity and its scent of fresh strawberries.

View of the Graz Mountains: Along the route between Hochstraßen and Windhagen, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Kainach Valley, the Graz Mountains, and the Gleinalm.

Many starting points for our hikes in southern Styria can also be reached by public transport.

For a relaxed and sustainable journey, we recommend travelling by bus and train wherever possible. Depending on the region, additional local transport options are available.

This allows you to start your tour stress-free while also contributing to climate and nature conservation.

All information on public transport, local mobility services and timetables can be found at: www.suedsteiermark.com/arrival

Nearest train stations are: Lannach, Frauental or Deutschlandsberg.

At the Florlwirt Inn or in the village of Gundersdorf.

Information offices:

Stainz Tourist Office, Tel.: +43 (5) 7730 710, 8510 Stainz, Hauptplatz 1

South Styria Tourist Association, Tel.: +43 (5) 7730, 8530 Deutschlandsberg, Hauptplatz 40

www.suedsteiermark.com