Stainzer Warte round trip Nr. 1 + 12 (Hunter's trail)

The path first takes you past the old weighbridge of Stainz. Believe it or not, there is a giraffe in the weighbridge. In summer 2009, a work by the artist Helmut Dick, who lives in the Netherlands, was realised here in a former weighbridge. The artist developed it after intensive work with a group of young people from Stainz who frequented the then youth centre jung.kultur.haus FRIDA. Here you will probably have to take your mobile phone or camera to prove your stories later.

You continue along the Engelweingarten, which shines in the most beautiful colours, especially in autumn. Then you hike uphill through a long forest and reach Max Gschiel Straße. In front of you is the Pletterikapelle chapel with a resting bench, where you are rewarded with a first beautiful view of Stainz.

On hot days, the forest offers the opportunity to cool off in the shade and you can listen to the chirping of the birds. The path with the marking 1 that you follow leads you up to the Engelweingärten. These are not very visible from the road. Therefore, make a detour so as not to miss these idyllic vineyards. Take off your walking shoes and lie down on the grass amidst the vines. The old vines give you energy and let you relax wonderfully.

Now the highlight of the tour awaits you. You hike up to the legendary Stainzer Warte, which was built in 1902. You have now been walking for an hour and have covered 270 metres in altitude. Now more metres in altitude follow. There are 93 steps leading up to the viewing platform at a height of 26 metres. You should be free from giddiness to enjoy the breathtaking view over the vineyards around Stainz. Tables and benches await you in front of the lookout, ideal for enjoying a snack or a glass of Schilcher. Interesting information about the excavations on the adjacent Lethkogel to the north awaits you at the information boards.

Once you have had your fill and taken enough photos, the path leads you downhill to the car park.

From here, take trail 12, the so-called Jägersteig, and hike down steep paths through a wonderfully natural forest. Around the Neurathbach stream you will find a system lovingly built by hard-working helpers from the region consisting of bridges, steps with handrails and a rest bench. Take the opportunity to relax a little and enjoy nature.

Full of new energy, continue downhill to Neurath to the plague column and parallel to trail 1 back to Schilchermarkt Stainz. Here you have the opportunity to do a little shopping. Take a few delicacies from the region home with you or enjoy a Styrian fried chicken with a salad and core oil in one of the inns.

Many starting points for our hikes in southern Styria can also be reached by public transport.

For a relaxed and sustainable journey, we recommend travelling by bus and train wherever possible.Depending on the region, additional local transport options are available.

This allows you to start your tour stress-free while also contributing to climate and nature conservation.

All information on public transport, local mobility services and timetables can be found at: www.suedsteiermark.com/arrival

The nearest train stations are: Lannach, Frauental or Deutschlandsberg.

Information offices:

Stainz Tourist Office, Tel.: +43 (5) 7730 710, 8510 Stainz, Hauptplatz 1

South Styria Tourist Association, Tel.: +43 (5) 7730, 8530 Deutschlandsberg, Hauptplatz 40

www.suedsteiermark.com