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Laßnitztal Trail - Hiking tour "Klause" Deutschlandsberg

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 10,1 km

Time 3:30 h

Uphill 310 hm

Downhill 310 hm

Highest point 600 m

This walk is ideal on hot summer days. The circular route not only captivates visitors with the romantic atmosphere at the hermitage, but also takes you past Deutschlandsberg Castle.

The circular walk begins at the entrance to the hermitage, and you walk through the hermitage along the Laßnitz River in a true natural gem (Natura 2000 conservation area). Once past the hermitage, the Laßnitz Valley widens and you come to the former forest railway track (gauge 760 mm). Here, to the right, you can see the foundations and concrete pillars of the former forest railway bridge. Shortly afterwards, you reach the Breinmühle and follow the Laßnitztalweg for approx. 2 km upstream to the Fischerhütte and on to the Laßnitz bridge. Cross this and head right along the forest path downstream to the Salzger Chapel. Soon after, the route leads slightly uphill through the forest for approx. 1 km, and the murmur of the Laßnitz grows ever fainter. You will now come to the Käfer farmstead and continue along the downhill Oberlaufeneggerstraße to the elevated water tank. After about 100 metres, continue straight ahead onto a forest path that leads to the Bürgerwaldstraße. Cross this and follow the forest path slightly uphill to the Urbanika Chapel on the Schloßweg. Passing the Stöcklpeter inn, you reach Deutschlandsberg Castle, built in the 12th century, the town’s landmark. From Burgplatz, the Jakobisteig leads down to Burgstraße and on to the JUFA guesthouse. Turning right through the hotel grounds along a short meadow path, you return to the car park at the Klause entrance.

Best season

January

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More information

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

This hike, which is a highlight especially for nature lovers, starts at the Klausen entrance. The Klause has been designated a Natura 2000 site, and as you stroll leisurely along the Laßnitz you will quickly realise why. You are in a unique natural landscape that must be protected at all costs. Visitors should also take this to heart.

The path leads you to the Breinmühle. From there you walk comfortably for three kilometres along a gravel road, the Laßnitztalweg, upstream. Soon you will pass the Lenzbauer fishing hut. From the Stöcklbrücke bridge, the road begins to climb. Cross the Laßnitz there and then turn right onto the newly built, level forest road on the left side of the Laßnitz, downstream to a small power station building. Enjoy the rushing of the stream, here your head is cleared and the sound has a wonderfully relaxing effect.

The path takes you past the Salzger Chapel, where two paths divide after 150 metres. You continue along the uphill one and the pleasant murmur of the Laßnitz becomes quieter until you can no longer hear it. Then a steep path follows, then a short tractor path and again a steep path until the romantic forest gives way to a flowery meadow and you have reached the farm vulgo Käfer.

Via a slightly ascending farm access road, you reach the highest point of this hike, which you reach at the junction with Oberlaufenegger Straße. Continue downhill along this asphalt road to the Scheidsberg elevated tank of the municipality with a view of Deutschlandsberg Castle perched on a rock. You should also definitely visit the castle museum and enjoy the unique view from the castle tower high above the Schilcher town of Deutschlandsberg.

At the S-bend, turn off the asphalt road onto the footpath into the forest. It provides wonderful shade on hot summer days and in spring you can experience how nature awakens anew while hiking. The path leads you to the Wegschoadkreuz, also called the Kortschakkreuz. From here you follow the F1 marking.

Continue straight ahead at a brisk pace along a forest path to the Urbani Chapel. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the winegrowers of this wonderful Schilcher region. Don't forget to taste the regional wine, which is particularly refreshing. This is the best way to end the hiking day.

The path climbs past the Stöcklpeter inn, where you should definitely stop for a bite to eat, to the castle. From here, no longer follow the F1 marking, but the wine trail and then go down the Jakobistiege. On this path you will learn everything relevant about local viticulture. Then follow Burgststraße down to the youth hostel. Immediately below this, walk along a meadow path with red-white-red markings across the playground directly back to the starting point, the Klausen entrance.

In addition to a relaxed hike, you had the opportunity to get to know Deutschlandsberg Castle and to learn more about and taste Styrian wine. That sounds like a successful day.

The Archeo Norico Museum, housed in Deutschlandsberg Castle, is an absolute highlight of Styria’s museum scene! With its varied exhibitions, it guarantees visitors an exciting visit.

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

The nearest railway station is in Deutschlandsberg.

Parking is available at the Klause entrance or at the railway station in Deutschlandsberg.

Information office:

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

www.suedsteiermark.com