Stage 18 From Glacier to Wine South Route Weinebene - Deutschlandsberg

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 21,7 km

Time 7:00 h

Uphill 261 hm

Downhill 1516 hm

Highest point 1770 m

This stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine is relatively long, but features only gentle descents for most of the route.Starting at the Weinebene and the Gösler Hütte, the trail leads across the Moserkogel and the Glashüttenkogel before continuing via Trahütten and through the Deutschlandsberger Klause, a protected Natura 2000 area of outstanding natural value. The stage concludes in Deutschlandsberg, the cultural and economic centre of the Schilcherland in the south-west of Steiermark. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes once again, as the alpine character of the Koralm gives way to gentler hills, forests, vineyards, and the first unmistakable signs of the Styrian wine country.

At the edge of the Deutschlandsberger Klause Natura 2000 protected area, Deutschlandsberg Castle rises prominently above the town and welcomes hikers to the heart of the Schilcherland.

Until the early 19th century, the castle served as the administrative centre of the extensive estates owned by the Archbishopric of Salzburg in western Steiermark. The first documented reference to a burgrave of the Lonsperch dynasty dates back to 1153, highlighting the castle's long and fascinating history.

Over the centuries, Deutschlandsberg Castle underwent several major periods of expansion and reconstruction. Today, elements of its Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance heritage can still be admired, including the historic Khuenburg Wing, which now forms part of the castle hotel.

Since 1932, the castle has been owned by the municipality of Deutschlandsberg and has developed into one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Schilcherland. In addition to its impressive architecture, it is home to the Archeo Norico Castle Museum, as well as a highly regarded hotel and restaurant, making it an ideal place to explore the region's history and culture.

Best season

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More information

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

From the Weinebene and the Gösler Hütte (Tel. +43 664 3024510), this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine first leads across the Moserkogel and the Glashüttenkogel. At the summit area, we keep right and continue past the trail junctions at Brendeltaferl and Mörtlkreuz in the direction of Trahütten.

The route then continues through pleasantly shaded forests before a small footpath branches off from the road and leads directly into the idyllic mountain village of Trahütten, beautifully situated above Deutschlandsberg.

In Trahütten, we pass the Villa Alban Berg before turning right shortly afterwards onto Trail 14, which follows the Jägersteig towards Deutschlandsberg Castle. Along this section, we also enter the Deutschlandsberger Klause Natura 2000 protected area, one of the region's most valuable natural landscapes.

Near the castle, several traditional Buschenschänken invite hikers to enjoy regional specialities and local wines. Some establishments, such as the Stöcklpeter, also offer accommodation in comfortable winegrowers' rooms.

At this point, it becomes unmistakably clear that we have arrived in the Styrian wine country. Where there are Buschenschänken, there is often a wine route nearby – in this case, the Schilcher Wine Road.

Before continuing on the long-distance trail the following day, it is well worth taking time to explore the historic centre of Deutschlandsberg, with its charming houses, narrow streets, and relaxed atmosphere. Those who wish to linger a little longer will find plenty of reasons to add an extra day or two and discover the many attractions of the Schilcherland before setting off on the next stage towards Schwanberg.

In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Styria, Eastern Styria and Southern and Western Styria, the GenussCard opens the door to over 280 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".

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 on the wine plain right in the center of the village.

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

Kompass WK 219 Lavanttal, Saualpe, Koralpe www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK411 Steirisches Weinland · Südwest Steiermark www.freytagberndt.at