Stage 13 From Glacier to Wine North Route Eisenerz - Hochschwab Sonnscheinalm

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 21,0 km

Time 8:00 h

Uphill 1194 hm

Downhill 376 hm

Highest point 1612 m

This stage leads into one of the most enchanting mountain landscapes in the Alps: the Hochschwab massif. From the historic mining town of Eisenerz, the route passes the natural jewel of Lake Leopoldstein before entering the heart of a mountain range renowned for having one of the largest chamois populations in Europe and an extraordinary diversity of alpine flora.The destination of this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine is the Sonnschienalm, one of the most popular alpine destinations in Steiermark, with its scattered mountain huts and the welcoming Sonnschienalmhütte.One of the most popular starting points for a day hike to the Sonnschienalm is the Green Lake in Tragöß, which was voted Austria's most beautiful place in 2014.

As we enter the Hochschwab massif, renowned for its remarkable alpine flora, including orchids, edelweiss, and gentians, we also follow in the footsteps of Archduke Johann, one of the most influential figures in the development of Steiermark. He is remembered as a visionary who promoted and modernised industry, agriculture, transport, education, and cultural life throughout the region.

For centuries, however, the Hochschwab was valued primarily for its economic importance. Its vast forests were already being intensively used during the Middle Ages to produce charcoal, which was required in large quantities for iron smelting.

As an enthusiastic mountaineer and hunter, Archduke Johann also helped spark interest in the mountains as a destination for recreation and exploration. As a result, the tourist development of the Hochschwab began in the early 19th century, and within just a few decades the massif had become one of the most important mountain areas for alpinists, as documented in numerous publications and records of the Austrian Alpine Club.

This stage also forms part of the BergZeitReise circular hiking trail, which leads through the wild and romantic mountain landscapes of Hochsteiermark.

Best season

January

February

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December

More information

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

From Eisenerz (Tourist Information Tel. +43 3635 2110 or +43 676 6164847), this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine first leads to the nearby Lake Leopoldstein, one of the most romantic places in Steiermark, with the Seestüberl (Tel. +43 3848 3135) located on its eastern shore. Those setting off early in the morning may have this idyllic landscape almost entirely to themselves, sharing it only with the local wildlife – an experience not to be missed.

At the eastern end of the lake, at Seeboden, the route turns sharply south. The trail remains relatively level for the first few kilometres before beginning its ascent into the heart of the Hochschwab massif. Passing east of the Kitzstein summit, we soon reach the Fobisalm, home to a now-abandoned hunting lodge.

From here, the trail continues towards the Fobistörl, south of the striking and remote Brandstein peak. Through mountain pine fields and across beautiful alpine pastures, we reach the Androthalm, with its numerous alpine huts offering welcome refreshments and regional specialities.

After a well-deserved break, the route continues westward via the Androthkogel, situated between the peaks of Spitzkogel and Kulmstein, before reaching the Sonnschienalm, our stage destination. Overnight accommodation is available at the Sonnschienalmhütte (Tel. +43 664 5112474), beautifully situated between Ebenstein, Grasserwand, and Kulmstein.

As dusk settles over the mountains, magnificent views of the Eisenerz Alps unfold in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The following day brings another highlight of the journey: the ascent to the summit of the Hochschwab.

Those who have not yet visited the Green Lake in Tragöß (Tourist Information Tel. +43 3868 8330), voted Austria's most beautiful place in 2014, may wish to add an extra night at the Sonnschienalm. Via trail 836, the route descends along the historic Russenstraße to this unique natural jewel, whose crystal-clear waters are fed entirely by meltwater from the Hochschwab massif. The return journey follows the same route or alternatively trail 837 via the Klammboden.

Please note: From 15 September to 15 October, parts of the Hochschwab area are subject to an annual hunting closure. During this period, the Sonnschienalm is not open to visitors. As an alternative, the stage from Eisenerz to Tragöß follows trail 837 from the Sonnschienalm to Tragöß, adding approximately two hours to the route. On the following day, the ascent from Tragöß to the Schiestlhaus follows trails 837 and 838, rejoining the main route at the Häuslalm.

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 numerous parking spaces available in the city center of Eisenerz.

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com

Kompass WK212 Hochschwab, Mariazell, Eisenwurzen www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK41 Hochschwab · Veitschalpe · Eisenerz · Bruck an der Mur www.freytagberndt.at