Stage 08 Mariazell Route Sommeralm – Auf der Schanz

At the very beginning, the route passes the striking wind turbine on the Sommeralm, a visible landmark that supplies electricity to around 2,500 households. From here, the trail continues via the Haberstallalm to the Straßegg, a mountain pass connecting the Murtal and the Feistritztal valleys. At the Straßegg the trail also intersects with the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine, which connects the Dachstein Glacier with the wine region.

The path leads through forests and occasional alpine meadows over the Knappensattel and the Herrenalm to the summit area of the Fürstkogel. The five wind turbines located here generate electricity for approximately 13,000 households each year.

After descending from the Fürstkogel, a forest road leads to the Schanz, the destination of this stage. Situated at the transition between the Mürztal and the Feistritztal valleys, it offers not only a welcoming inn but also serves as a starting point for numerous hiking routes. Options include trails along the Zentralalpenweg Trail 02, to the nearby Teufelstein, to Peter Roseggers Geburtshaus at the Alpl, or to Fischbach – providing a variety of opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

From the Schanz above Fischbach, the route splits:
Option A leads via Mitterdorf im Mürztal and the Hohe Veitsch to Mariazell: Informations about Stage 9 A: Route, Duration & Directions Auf der Schanz-Mitterdorf im Mürztal Option B runs through the Waldheimat of Peter Rosegger to Mariazell:  Informations about Stage 9 B: Route, Duration & Directions Auf der Schanz-Krieglach

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