Stage 07 Mariazell Route Schöckl - Sommeralm

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 26,0 km

Time 7:30 h

Uphill 997 hm

Downhill 1023 hm

Highest point 1427 m

Wide alpine pastures: Over approximately 26 km, the route leads via the Passail basin into the Almenland Nature Park in Eastern Styria – characterised by open grazing areas and sweeping views. Numerous cafés and inns in Passail offer a chance to pause and refresh before the ascent into the alpine pasture region.

One of the highlights of this stage is the former mining settlement of Arzberg, located at the entrance to the Raab Gorge, the longest gorge in Austria. The parish church of St James the Elder in Arzberg was first documented in 1242. It is a simple hall church with a vaulted ceiling and a semi-circular chancel. Together with the rectory and the fountain featuring a statue of St John of Nepomuk, it forms a charming architectural ensemble.

A former silver mine in Arzberg is now used to mature cheese. The award-winning Almenland Sollenkäse has received multiple international prizes and can be experienced during guided tours, including tastings.

Best season

January

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More information

Detailed information on how to get there can be found here. Access by public transport is restricted. The ascent is via the cable car or on foot.
Numerous parking spaces are available at the valley station of the Schöckl cable car.

From the Stubenberghaus on the Schöckl, the route first leads to the Schöckl Cross, a prominent wayside shrine. It continues via the small settlement of Burgstall to the ruins of Stubegg and on to Arzberg.

The next stop is Passail, founded around 1220/30 by the Stubenberg family and situated between the Teichalm and Sommeralm. Its location meant that, until the early 20th century, the local population was largely self-sufficient, with only salt being brought in from outside. Today, the town offers a high quality of life and local cuisine, as well as the parish church of St. Vitus.

From here, the route climbs steadily through forests into the alpine pasture region. The first stop is the Hohenauer Ochsenhalt, known for its remarkable biodiversity, including rare orchid species. To preserve this unique landscape in the Almenland Nature Park, strict regulations are in place: no artificial fertilisers are used, grazing is limited, and young trees must be removed to maintain optimal conditions for the orchids.

The trail continues via scenic alpine paths and forest roads to the Schwarzkogel. A gentle descent then leads to the Sommeralm, marking the end of the stage.

Informationsabout Stage 8: Route, Duration & Directions Sommeralm-Auf der Schanz

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 Oststeiermark, Tel. +43 3335 47147
www.oststeiermark.com

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