Stage 16 From Glacier to Wine North Route Seewiesen - Veitsch Graf Meran Haus

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 16,8 km

Time 7:00 h

Uphill 1223 hm

Downhill 324 hm

Highest point 1836 m

The Hohe Veitsch is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in Hochsteiermark and, much like the Hochschwab, is renowned as a true mountain of flowers. During the flowering season, the extensive alpine meadows are transformed into a colourful natural spectacle that delights hikers and nature lovers alike.This stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine climbs steadily through a varied landscape of alpine pastures and shady forests. Along the way, almost 1,400 metres of ascent must be conquered before reaching the Graf Meran House, beautifully situated just below the summit of the Hohe Veitsch. The effort is richly rewarded with magnificent panoramic views and the unique atmosphere of one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Hochsteiermark.

At the end of this stage, not only one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains in Hochsteiermark awaits, but also an important waypoint on the pilgrimage routes leading to Mariazell, the largest pilgrimage destination in Central Europe.Even at the beginning of the stage, hikers may encounter pilgrims following the Mariazell Founders' Trail, which leads from St. Lambrecht Abbey in the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park to Mariazell and often includes Seewiesen as a stage stop. The origins of Mariazell date back to 1157, when the abbot of St. Lambrecht sent the monk Magnus on a pastoral mission carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, an impassable rock blocked his path. After Magnus prayed for help, the rock miraculously split apart, allowing him to continue his journey. He placed the statue on a tree stump and built a small "cell" – a monk's dwelling – on the site. The settlement that developed around this place became known as Mariazell. Along today's route on the Veitsch, we also encounter one of Austria's most famous pilgrimage routes, the Styrian Mariall Trail, zewhich begins in the Schilcherland. It later joins the Carinthian Mariazell Trail, bringing together pilgrims from different regions on their way to the renowned shrine of Mariazell. 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

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More information

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

From Seewiesen (Tourist Information Tel. +43 664 3548485), the route first passes the long-distance hiking monument before continuing to the Seebergalm. After a little more than 2 kilometres, the Almgasthof Seebergalm (Tel. +43 3863 24114) offers an excellent opportunity for refreshments and also serves as an overnight alternative to the Seeberghof and the Alpengasthof Schuster in Seewiesen.

Here, the trail branches off to the right and leads through the Lappental valley to the Göriacher Alm. The hut of the same name, managed by the Strobl family (Tel. +43 3863 2192 or +43 650 8272834), is open during the grazing season and also offers overnight accommodation in rooms and dormitories.

The route continues past a former hunting lodge to the Turnauer Alm, where the Turnauer Alm Hut (Tel. +43 664 73792826) is a popular meeting place for hikers and mountain enthusiasts from the region. Here, visitors are warmly welcomed and well looked after by hostess Rosi Strauß and her family.

From alpine pasture to alpine pasture – this description fits the stage perfectly. After a few more kilometres, the Rotsohlalm and the Nikolokreuz come into view. The Halterhütte, managed by Johann Breidler (Tel. +43 664 2716463), offers accommodation for up to 20 guests in dormitory-style lodging and is particularly popular with pilgrims on their way to Mariazell, who appreciate its cosy and traditional atmosphere.

From here, the route continues towards the Graf Meran House, today's stage destination. Due to its popularity, advance reservations are strongly recommended (Tel. +43 664 1513220).

If the Graf Meran House is fully booked, hikers can descend slightly to the Alpengasthof Scheikl (Tel. +43 3856 2349 or +43 676 3957362). Known for its traditional regional cuisine and its beautiful location at the foot of the Veitsch (Tourist Information Tel. +43 699 1738517), it also offers overnight accommodation.

For those staying at the Alpengasthof Scheikl, the next morning begins with an ascent. The first 2 kilometres climb in comfortable switchbacks, gaining just over 600 metres in elevation before reaching the Graf Meran House (Tel. +43 664 1513220).

The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views across the Mürztal and the Fischbacher Alps, landscapes that will become part of the journey in the coming days on the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine. A panorama so impressive that the exertions of the climb are quickly forgotten.

Please note: If you choose to stay overnight at the Alpengasthof Scheikl, the following stage to Neuberg an der Mürz begins with an ascent. The stage itself is relatively long but then descends steadily towards the valley.

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

In Seewiesen there are several parking possibilities at the inns. Please ask if you can leave your car during your tour - it will not be a problem.

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