Stage 06 Mariazell Route Graz/Hilmteich - Schöckl

Accessible by public transport

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

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty challenging

Route 19,6 km

Time 7:00 h

Uphill 1231 hm

Downhill 200 hm

Highest point 1411 m

From urban surroundings back into nature: This approximately 21 km stage leads via Mariatrost and St. Radegund up to the Schöckl, offering impressive views over Graz. The Hilmteich with its park can be reached from Graz/Eggenberg and the old town by tram line 1.

A total of 216 steps lead up to the Purberg, where the beautiful Basilica of Mariatrost is perched – although on this pilgrimage route they are descended rather than climbed. The basilica is considered a prime example of Imperial Baroque and is one of Austria’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites.

The idyllic climatic spa resort of St. Radegund near Graz also lies along the route. As early as the time of the monarchy, the beneficial effects of its climate were recognised, and it developed into a well-known health resort. For pilgrims, St. Radegund is particularly appealing due to its Calvary hill, regarded as one of the finest in Austria.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

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

Parking is available in the green zone (maximum 5 days), as well as additional parking options here: www.parken.graz.at

The stage begins through the Leechwald forest, leading via the Hilmwarte to the Basilica of Mariatrost, one of three basilicas in Steiermark alongside Mariazell and Weizberg. The route then descends the 216 steps to the Mariatroster Straße, which is crossed before continuing along path 753.

The trail leads through woodland, meadows and short road sections to the small village of Rinnegg. Via Weinitzen, it continues to St. Radegund, where the valley station of the Schöckl cable car is located.

At this point, there is a choice: take the cable car or continue on foot to the summit of the Schöckl. The walking option takes around two hours and leads to the 1,445-metre summit with the Stubenberghaus, offering magnificent views over Graz and the surrounding basin stretching as far as Slovenia.

Informationsabout Stage 7: Route, Duration & Directions Schöckl-Sommeralm

Mountain Rescue Emergency Number: 140

Emergency Call Tip – Answer the six key questions: What happened? How many people are injured? Where did the accident happen (possibly with GPS coordinates)? Who is calling (call-back number)? When did it happen? What are the weather conditions at the accident site?

Packing your backpack properly makes a big difference: pack heavier items first. Your water bottle should always be easily accessible in a side pocket. Items you need frequently, such as sunglasses, a camera, or a hiking map, should be placed on top. An emergency kit, including blister plasters, belongs in every backpack, and dressing in layers (“onion principle”) is always recommended.

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

TVB Erlebnisregion Graz, Tel. +43 316 8075
www.regiongraz.at

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com
www.steiermark.com/mariazell-pilgrimage-route