Stage 31 From Glacier to Wine North Route Unterlamm - Riegersburg

Accessible by public transport

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 18,1 km

Time 5:30 h

Uphill 433 hm

Downhill 352 hm

Highest point 384 m

From Unterlamm, this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads through the gently rolling landscapes of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Steiermark, an area renowned for its fertile soils and exceptional culinary diversity. The rich volcanic earth provides the foundation for an abundance of high-quality regional products, making the region one of Austria's most celebrated culinary destinations. Along the route, wonderful panoramic viewpoints alternate with picturesque villages and cultivated landscapes, offering constantly changing perspectives of the surrounding countryside. Passing through communities such as Hatzendorf, the trail continues through vineyards, orchards, fields, and forests before gradually approaching one of the most iconic landmarks in southeastern Austria. The stage concludes at the foot of the imposing Riegersburg, whose dramatic hilltop fortress dominates the landscape and can be seen from far across the surrounding hills. The town of Riegersburg, sharing its name with the castle, provides a fitting destination at the end of a stage rich in scenery, culture, and culinary delights.

For more than 850 years, Riegersburg Castle has towered above the landscape of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Steiermark.

Perched atop a volcanic rock and protected by a formidable system of fortifications with seven gates, the castle has never been conquered and remains one of the most impressive fortress complexes in Central Europe. Today, it captivates visitors not only with its dramatic setting but also with its fascinating museums, which bring centuries of history vividly to life. For those seeking adventure, the via ferrata on the castle rock offers an exhilarating experience with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

The area around Riegersburg is equally renowned for its culinary excellence. Along the region's Enjoyment Hiking Trail, visitors can discover some of the most celebrated producers in Steiermark. Highlights include the handcrafted chocolates of Zotter, the fine vinegars and premium spirits of Gölles, the delicately cured specialities of Vulcano, and the outstanding wines produced by the many winegrowers of the region.

The unique combination of history, adventure, and culinary craftsmanship makes Riegersburg one of the most remarkable destinations in southeastern Steiermark.

Best season

January

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More information

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

On today's stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine, the route follows the Spiritual Path for much of the journey. While this themed trail normally leads from Kirchberg to Unterlamm through the Thermen- & Vulkanland region, we hike it in the opposite direction, from east to west.

Leaving Unterlamm, the trail follows a meadow path uphill towards the Lang Inn. From there, it continues along a scenic ridge towards Setzberg, offering beautiful views back over the village and the surrounding rolling countryside. At Setzberg, the Baroque St Joseph's Chapel invites hikers to pause and enjoy the panorama across the hills around Unterlamm.

The route continues along the ridge, alternating between open viewpoints and pleasantly shaded forest sections. Passing over the Ederberg and Glatzberg, the trail leads by the Thermenlandhof Thierjakl, known for its beautiful orchard landscapes, before reaching Hatzendorf. Here, a visit to the Eat & Art Vinothek Malerwinkl is highly recommended. Between Ederberg and Hatzendorf, the route is accompanied by the Beekeeper's Trail, which provides fascinating insights into the world of bees and regional honey production.

From Hatzendorf, the trail continues to the Church of St Peter and St Paul, whose patronal feast is celebrated each year on 29 June, before crossing the ridge-top settlement of Kirchenegg towards Unterstang.

At Unterstang, the route turns left and heads directly towards Riegersburg. Although the sight of the imposing fortress soon becomes an irresistible focal point, it is worth making time for a stop at the renowned Gölles Manufactory for Fine Vinegars and Noble Spirits. Here, traditional craftsmanship and regional ingredients are transformed into award-winning products that have become synonymous with the culinary culture of the region.

The final kilometres lead directly into the charming village of Riegersburg, nestled at the foot of the volcanic rock crowned by the mighty Riegersburg Castle. The following stage continues through the Raab Valley towards Fehring.

In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Styria, Eastern Styria and Southern and Western Styria, the GenussCard opens the door to over 200 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".

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 Unterlamm there are several parking spaces available in the center of the village.

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

Kompass WK225 Steirisches Hügel-, Vulkan- und Thermenland, Mureck, Bad Radkersburg, Murska Sobota www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK423 Steirisches Thermenland · Südliches Burgenland · Steirisches Vulkanland www.freytagberndt.at