Stage 33 From Glacier to Wine North Route Fehring - Bad Gleichenberg

Accessible by public transport

Train (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)
Public bus (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 15,0 km

Time 4:30 h

Uphill 305 hm

Downhill 287 hm

Highest point 448 m

Right into the heart of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Steiermark: this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads from the small town of Fehring in the Raab Valley to the historic spa town of Bad Gleichenberg, one of the six renowned thermal spa destinations in the region. The route is characterised by the gentle rhythm of the landscape, with a constant succession of easy ascents and descents through rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, forests, and cultivated countryside. Along the way, numerous traditional Buschenschänken invite hikers to pause and enjoy regional specialities, offering authentic insights into the culinary culture of southeastern Steiermark.One of the highlights of the stage is Kapfenstein Castle, dramatically situated on a volcanic hill above the surrounding landscape. The castle, together with the vineyards of the renowned Winkler-Hermaden Winery, forms one of the most picturesque ensembles in the entire Thermen- & Vulkanland region. From here, magnificent panoramic views extend across the rolling hills and vineyards that define this unique cultural landscape.Combining wine, history, culinary delights, and the characteristic scenery of the Vulkanland, this stage offers a perfect introduction to the heart of southeastern Steiermark and the final chapters of the journey towards the wine country of the south.

Time and again, this stage rewards hikers with sweeping views of the volcanic hills that define the landscape of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region. Among the most prominent landmarks are the volcanic cones crowned by Riegersburg Castle and Kapfenstein Castle, as well as the Gleichenberger Kogel, the Stradner Kogel, and, on clear days, Schöckl, the local mountain of Graz, visible on the horizon.

Along the way, the East Austrian Borderland Trail 07 and the Handspur Trail of the Vulkanland trail network guide us through the rolling countryside towards Kapfenstein.

Perched on a volcanic hill high above southeastern Steiermark, Kapfenstein Castle has watched over the surrounding landscape since the 11th century. Alongside Riegersburg Castle, it is one of the most important historic fortifications in the region. Today, the former fortress has been transformed into a charming family-run castle hotel with an excellent restaurant and beautiful terraces overlooking the vineyards and hills below.

More than just a place rich in history, Kapfenstein is a place of inspiration and tranquillity. Its unique setting, expansive views, and relaxed atmosphere invite visitors to pause, linger, and simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Best season

January

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More information

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

On this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine, we leave the historic town of Fehring in the Raab Valley heading south. Passing the fire station and following Sinzingergasse, the route soon enters a forest near the Vulkanarena Fehring, a geomantic power spot that reflects the region's strong connection between nature, energy, and well-being.

Along the way, numerous traditional Buschenschänken provide opportunities to pause and enjoy the culinary delights of the Thermen- & Vulkanland region. Following a short road section, the trail reaches the Kuruzzenschenke of the Konrad Winery, before continuing through woodland towards the Kuruzzenkogel. Although it is possible to bypass the hill, the climb is well worthwhile. Near the summit stands a small chapel built by the Konrad family in 1895, alongside a peaceful resting place with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Roughly halfway through the stage, we reach the Kapfensteiner Kogel, an extinct volcano that is now home to one of the most picturesque castle hotels and one of the most highly regarded wineries in Steiermark. At the Winkler-Hermaden Winery, wine has been produced according to organic principles for three generations. The estate is particularly known for its Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, while among the red varieties, Blauer Zweigelt plays the leading role. The winery's renowned Olivin is produced exclusively from this grape variety, complemented by Merlot and Pinot Noir.

After a well-deserved break, the route descends towards the parish church of Kapfenstein, either via the access road or through the beautifully designed terraced gardens. Dedicated to St Nicholas, the church is a popular venue for weddings and baptisms and enjoys a magnificent setting above the surrounding vineyards.

Beyond the church, the trail enters another beautiful forest and continues westwards. Passing the Puff Buschenschank and the Red Cross Wayside Shrine, the route follows Trail 780 towards Steinriegl-Absetz before descending via the Eichgrabenweg into Bad Gleichenberg.

Over recent decades, the historic spa town of Bad Gleichenberg has successfully combined its long tradition as a health resort with a modern tourism offering. At its heart lies the magnificent 20-hectare spa park, where native and exotic trees line peaceful pathways. The town's healing springs have formed the foundation of more than 180 years of spa history and continue to make Bad Gleichenberg one of the most distinctive health resorts in southeastern Steiermark.

The volcanic landscapes, vineyards, and rolling hills that characterise the area will continue to accompany us on the next stage towards the wine-growing village of Klöch.

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 Fehring there are several parking facilities and parking spaces available.

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 WK412 Südsteirisches Hügelland · Vulkanland · Bad Gleichenberg · Bad Radkersburg www.freytagberndt.at