Stage 04 Mariazell Route Stainz - Söding

Accessible by public transport

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 15,4 km

Time 4:30 h

Uphill 224 hm

Downhill 215 hm

Highest point 421 m

The final gentle stage in the wine region: This flat 16 km route leads through rolling hills and cultivated landscapes – before the stages become longer and more demanding. Söding, the destination, does not stand out through major sights, but through its peaceful countryside near Graz, combining natural relaxation with authentic Styrian quality of life.

The parish church of St. Stefan ob Stainz was first documented between 1218 and 1245. Originally a simple Romanesque building with a flat ceiling, it was redesigned in its current form in the early 16th century. It is particularly worth seeing for its neo-Gothic side altars and the Rococo stove in the rectory, dating from around 1770.

On a little hill in Söding stands the Church of St Sebastian, the destination of this stage. Well known beyond the region, it is especially popular for weddings and baptisms. The first foundations date back to around 1500, and over the centuries the church has been repeatedly extended and rebuilt. During times of plague, it held particular significance for the local population. Nearby stands Söding Castle, a two-storey quadrangular building with an elegant columned central section from the 18th century. The castle has been privately owned by the Sparowitz family since 1967.

Best season

January

February

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December

More information

Detailed information on how to get there can be found here.

The stage begins at Stainz Abbey and Castle, reached from the town hall via steps after crossing the Stainz stream. Following path No. 8, the route continues through woodland, passing the Marienkapelle and on to St. Stefan ob Stainz.
The trail leads through forests, orchards and farmsteads, occasionally crossing roads, to Kniezenberg, a small settlement on a hill surrounded by fields and woodland.

From here, the route descends gently towards Mooskirchen, known for its award-winning floral displays. Those interested in fine spirits may wish to visit the Hochstrasser Distillery and its brandy experience world. After crossing the Kainbach bridge, the route continues to nearby Söding.

Informationsabout Stage 5: Route, Duration & Directions Söding-Graz/Eggenberg

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 is available at the Ettendorf car park at the lower end of the main square, along Lastenstraße, and at the commuter car park on Grazer Straße opposite the new Spar supermarket.

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

TVB Erlebnisregion Graz, Tel +316 8075
www.regiongraz.at

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