Stage 03 Mariazell Route Deutschlandsberg – Stainz

Accessible by public transport

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 16,1 km

Time 5:00 h

Uphill 375 hm

Downhill 397 hm

Highest point 607 m

Culinary delights and wine characterise this approximately 17 km stage: The route leads through gentle vineyard landscapes to Stainz, with numerous opportunities to stop at traditional Buschenschänken. Stainz, the destination, is particularly known for its impressive castle with the Hunting Museum, the historic narrow-gauge “Flascherlzug” railway, and its role as the charming centre of the Schilcher wine region.

The route also passes through the small village of Bad Gams. Its parish church is dedicated to St Bartholomew and was first mentioned in 1165. After being severely damaged by fire, it was rebuilt as a temporary church and later redesigned several times. Today, it presents itself in its current form, with a particularly fine late Baroque Marian altar.

The highlight of Stainz is undoubtedly its castle, which rises prominently above the village. Originally founded in 1229 as an Augustinian monastery, it was later secularised by Emperor Joseph II. Archduke Johann subsequently acquired it, and today it is owned by the Counts of Meran. The complex is impressive even from the outside. Inside, several museums belonging to the Universalmuseum Joanneum are open to visitors.

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.

The stage begins by leaving Deutschlandsberg. Careful attention to waymarking is required. Forest paths lead towards the Poschenberg and on to Geipersdorf in the Wildbach valley. Schloss Wildbach lies along the route before a short ascent leads to Bad Gams, a spa town known for its sulphur springs, peaceful setting at the foot of the Koralpe, and long tradition as a health resort.

At the edge of the village, the route turns left onto path No. 24, leading to the Stainzer Warte, built in 1902 at an elevation of 608 metres. From here, the trail descends towards the “Engelweingarten” and continues through quiet woodland to the main square of Stainz.

Informationsabout Stage 4: Route, Duration & Directions Stainz-Söding

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

Parking spaces are available at the railway station or at the Koralmhalle.

TVB Südsteiermark, Tel. +43 05 7730
www.suedsteiermark.com

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