Sporiroaofen circular route 10G+10

The asphalt road on which you start goes uphill until you turn right into a narrow, quite steep forest path that leads uphill along an old hollow path to the hamlet of Mausegg, where you reach the paved road again. On the left, you will see the stone breaker cross a little way off. What is special about it is the blue-clad Mother of God at the feet of the crucified.

Here you continue straight on through a pasture gate, pass the abandoned Klug vulgo Vastlhansl farm and then hike up a forest path to Sporiroaofen. Already here, larger rock formations arouse your interest. Once you arrive at your destination, it takes about an hour.

The imposing plateau is a geological highlight. The boulders drop steeply 120 metres to the Falleggbach stream and offer a wonderful distant view from the plateau. Here it pays to have binoculars with you. The terrain is not secured and therefore very dangerous. Smaller children are not allowed to climb the plateau unaccompanied by adults. The climb really pays off. Take your time and enjoy the distant view. It is a unique experience.

When you have had your fill, the way back leads to a knoll with a fork in the path. Go straight down to the Falleggbach stream along the trail marking Sauerbrunn 10G. Arriving at the Falleggbach, you will see the old Sporimühle mill and right next to it the water turbine of the Klugbauer power plant. This is a good place to stop and have some regional delicacies that you have brought with you. Don't forget to capture the mill with your mobile phone or camera. Time has stood still here, enjoy the moment.

Freshly invigorated, continue hiking until you reach a fork in the path and continue downhill on the right, following the 10G mark. With a big step you cross a small gully. Here you can refresh your tired feet a little. About 150 metres before the end of the forest, a gravelled forest path branches off from the trail to the right. Here, a detour along the forest path leads down to the Mannagettaofen nature monument, which is well worth seeing.

From the barrier, walk 150 metres along the path in a south-easterly direction and after the hairpin bend 140 metres in a westerly direction. Then you cross a small channel and come to a fork in the path. Here you go down to the left, first in a south-easterly, then in a south-westerly direction. After another 200 metres, several ovens rise abruptly upwards. In the middle is the natural monument Mannagettaofen. Unlike the Sporiroaofen, this group of ovens can only be admired from below. Climbing up is forbidden! If you continue down to the Falleggbach stream, you can still see the remains of an old mill. You have to leave the path a little for this experience, but it really pays off.

Back on the original trail, you hike buoyantly past the forest road barrier and farms on the asphalt road to the hiking trail junction at the Schneebauer farm. You go steeply down the forest to the right to the Falleggbach stream. Pause for a moment and enjoy the sound of the water. Then walk over the bridge, catch sight of the spring house of the Sauerbrunn healing spring and reach the car park where you started. A visit to the newly renovated Sauerbrunn mineral spring goes without saying. Bad Sauerbrunn is known for its sulphurous and ferruginous water. Do not hesitate to taste it and draw new energy from it. A worthy conclusion to a special tour.

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.

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