Stage 03 From Glacier to Wine North Route Bad Gleichenberg - Klöch

Accessible by public transport

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

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 20,3 km

Time 6:30 h

Uphill 585 hm

Downhill 592 hm

Highest point 560 m

This stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads through the heart of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Steiermark. The journey begins in the traditional spa town of Bad Gleichenberg, renowned for its elegant spa architecture, extensive network of hiking trails, and the modern Spa House, also known as the "Therme der Ruhe" ("Spa of Tranquillity"). Surrounded by parks, forests, and volcanic hills, Bad Gleichenberg has long been one of the most important health and wellness destinations in southeastern Steiermark. From here, the trail winds through shady forests, past vineyards, orchards, and cultivated fields, revealing the characteristic landscape of the Vulkanland region. The gentle hills and fertile volcanic soils create ideal conditions for both agriculture and viticulture, shaping a countryside that is as scenic as it is productive. The stage concludes in the renowned wine-growing village of Klöch, famous for its highly aromatic Traminer wines. Klöch also lends its name to the Klöcher Wine Route, one of the eight wine routes in Steiermark, which showcases the unique wine culture, culinary traditions, and hospitality of this distinctive corner of Austria. Combining wellness, nature, and wine culture, this stage offers a perfect introduction to one of the most characterful wine regions in Steiermark.

The hiking trail network in the southern part of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Steiermark follows in the footsteps of the area's ancient volcanoes. More than just a collection of paths, it is an invitation to immerse yourself in the landscapes of southeastern Steiermark, discover nature in all its diversity, and encounter the people who shape this unique region.

Along the routes, visitors come across traditional craft businesses, artisan producers, and culinary manufactories that provide fascinating insights into local craftsmanship and regional production. The experience goes far beyond hiking, offering authentic encounters with the culture, traditions, and flavours of the region.

On this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine, sections of two themed routes are incorporated into the journey: Backbone and Around the Middle. These are part of a comprehensive hiking network that includes both multi-day trails and shorter thematic walks, allowing visitors to explore the volcanic landscapes from many different perspectives.

The result is a varied hiking experience that combines nature, culture, craftsmanship, and culinary discovery in the heart of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region.

Best season

January

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More information

Detailed information on how to get to Bad Gleichenberg can be found here.

Immediately after setting off from Bad Gleichenberg, the route leads through the beautifully landscaped spa park and past the historic Kurhaus before climbing through a wooded section to the Albrechtshöhe, which offers wonderful views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Following the Parapluieweg and passing the Archduke Johann Memorial, the trail continues along Trail 786, descending gently towards Kapfensteiner Straße. After a short road section, the route branches off once more and continues through dense woodland towards the Stradner Kogel, which is bypassed on its western side. Particularly during the summer months, the extensive forest sections provide welcome shade and make for pleasant hiking conditions.

Shortly before a former quarry, the trail changes direction and continues through the forest before emerging around two kilometres later at the Frutten-Gießelsdorf Viewpoint. Here, magnificent panoramic views open up across the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. This is also where the route meets the Wine Trail of the Senses, which leads towards St. Anna am Aigen and the Styrian Wine Vinotheque. The Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine, however, continues straight ahead through the idyllic vineyards of the Rosenberg.

The trail follows the ridge above the vineyards before descending through the vines towards the settlement of Größing. From there, it continues to Tieschen, a charming wine-growing village in the heart of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region. Passing the parish church and the Kolleritsch Winegrowers' Hotel, the route circles the Königsberg on its northern side.

A geological highlight awaits here: the Basalt Fissure of Tieschen, uncovered during quarrying activities in the 19th century. This remarkable natural monument provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's volcanic past and clearly illustrates the intrusion of molten rock during the final phases of volcanic activity.

The final section towards Klöch is characterised by a series of viewpoints and observation towers. The most impressive of these is undoubtedly the Klöch Castle Ruins Lookout Tower, which offers sweeping views across the vineyard-covered hills of southeastern Steiermark and towards neighbouring Slovenia and Hungary.

The castle ruins themselves were carefully restored in 1998 and today serve as a venue for cultural events, including concerts, theatre performances, and literary readings. Rising above the village, they form a striking gateway to Klöch, one of the most important wine-growing centres in the region.

From the castle ruins, it is only a short walk to the attractive village square. Here, visitors will find the Klöch Vinotheque and the Wine Museum, both excellent places to discover more about the region's wine culture and, in particular, its renowned Traminer wines.

In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Styria, Eastern Styria and Southern and Western Styria, the GenussCard opens the door to over 200 excursion destinations when you stay overnight in one of the approximately 100 GenussCard partner establishments. Countless of these GenussCard excursion destinations, ranging from culinary manufactories to bathing lakes and museums, are located directly on the hiking route "From Glacier to Wine".

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

There are several parking options available in Bad Gleichenberg. Please note possible short term parking zones.

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003

www.steiermark.com

Kompass WK225 Steirisches Hügel-, Vulkan- und Thermenland, Mureck, Bad Radkersburg, Murska Sobota www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK423 Steirisches Thermenland · Südliches Burgenland · Steirisches Vulkanland www.freytagberndt.at