Andritz Circular Route

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 easy

Route 7,8 km

Time 2:15 h

Uphill 154 hm

Downhill 153 hm

Highest point 518 m

A peaceful, meditative circular hike in northern Graz leads from Andritz's main square through green hills to the Buddhist Wisdom Stupa and St. Ulrich's Church with its Marian grotto.

The Andritz Circular Route combines scenic walking paths with peaceful places of reflection on the northern outskirts of Graz. Starting and finishing at Andritz's main square, the route passes through residential areas before climbing steadily through wooded hillsides to a small plateau.

One of the highlights is the Buddhist Wisdom Stupa on Pfeifferhofweg. Built in 1998, this monument to peace symbolises dialogue between different religions and cultures. The hike continues past Pfeifferhof and along Oberer Plattenweg through the green hills of Andritz. Gasthof Stoffbauer offers a pleasant place to stop for refreshments along the way.

The route then descends via Saumgasse and smaller paths towards St. Ulrich's Church in Ulrichsbrunn. Its Marian grotto and Ulrichsquelle spring provide another peaceful setting along the trail. The final section leads through residential streets back to Andritz's main square.

The hike follows a mix of paved roads, forest paths and a few short, steeper sections, combining nature, cultural landmarks and spiritual sites in a varied circular walk.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Travelling by public transport is recommended.

The starting point is the Graz Region Tourist Information Office at Herrengasse 16. From Hauptplatz, take tram line 3 or 5 to the final stop at Andritz, where the circular walking route begins.

From Andritz's main square, pass the wayside shrine and turn right into Andritzer Reichsstraße, then left into Zelinkagasse shortly after the police station. Cross the small bridge over Schöcklbach and continue across Radegunder Straße to Pfeifferhofweg. The paved road climbs steadily through a residential area before entering the forest. At a small plateau, follow the sign to Pfeifferhofweg 92 to 94 on the right for a short detour to the Buddhist centre and its Wisdom Stupa. Return to Pfeifferhofweg and continue to a junction with a chapel. Turn right and pass Pfeifferhof, now home to Schule im Pfeifferhof.

Pfeifferhofweg eventually joins Oberer Plattenweg. Follow this road past Gasthof Stoffbauer, then turn right into Saumgasse shortly afterwards. Continue downhill past Gasthof Kreuzwirt. At the end of Saumgasse, turn right into Viktor-Zack-Weg and shortly afterwards left into Reinerweg.

A little further along Reinerweg, turn right onto an unpaved path. Just beyond house number 2, a series of steep steps leads down through the forest towards St. Ulrich's Church, with its Marian grotto and Ulrichsquelle spring. For those with pushchairs, stay on Viktor-Zack-Weg instead and make a sharp left turn into Ulrichsweg. A short detour from here leads to the church.

From the church grounds, follow Ulrichsweg back to Andritzer Reichsstraße and turn right. Continue to the junction with Ziegelstraße, where Andritzer Reichsstraße turns left. Follow it past Stukitzbad to return to Andritz's main square.

Hiking or mountain boots, hiking poles if needed
Daypack with rain cover
Water bottle, lunch box and snacks
Light rain poncho and/or umbrella
Sun protection
First-aid kit
Mobile phone/GPS device

The Buddhist Centre with its Wisdom Stupa and St. Ulrich's Church with its Marian grotto are well worth a visit. On warm days, Stukitzbad is a great place to cool off after the hike.

From Graz Hauptplatz, take tram line 3 or 5 to the final stop at Andritz. After the circular hike, return to Hauptplatz on tram line 3 or 5.

Timetables: www.busbahnbim.at

Free hiking maps and information:

Graz Region Tourist Board
Herrengasse 16
8010 Graz
T: +43 316 80750, info@regiongraz.at