Hiking in the Lipizzanerheimat
From Gleinalpe and Stubalpe to Hebalm and Reinischkogel, open alpine landscapes, panoramic high-level trails and distinctive summits define the hiking area. Routes range from leisurely alpine pasture walks to demanding summit tours and multi-day long-distance hikes.
Traditional mountain huts, family-friendly circular routes and panoramic trails make the Lipizzanerheimat a varied hiking region. Around Piber and Voitsberg, walks and hikes through gentle cultivated landscapes add another dimension. The Nord-Süd-Weitwanderweg 05, the Weststeirischer Jakobsweg and other long-distance trails also pass through the region.
Lipizzanerheimat hiking area at a glance
- Gleinalpe and Stubalpe
- Hebalm, Reinischkogel and Ligist
- Piber and Voitsberg
- Open alpine landscapes and panoramic high-level trails
- Nord-Süd-Weitwanderweg 05 and Weststeirischer Jakobsweg
- Panoramic trails, circular hikes and family-friendly routes
- Lipizzaner horses, alpine huts and rustic wine taverns
- Connection to Gleinalm in the Grazer Bergland
Gleinalpe and Stubalpe
Gleinalpe and Stubalpe are among the best-known hiking areas in Styria. Open alpine pastures, panoramic summits and distinctive rock formations shape the landscape. Hiking routes lead from Terenbachalm and across Gaberl to Salzstiegl, Altes Almhaus and Stubalm Speikkogel. Roßbachkogel (Pussor), Rappoldkogel, Peterer Riegel and Seinerkreuz are further prominent hiking destinations in the region.
Alpine huts and mountain inns offer places to stop for food and drink along the way. On the route from Oskar-Schauer-Haus/Sattelhaus to Terenbachalm, the statue of Christ marks a striking viewpoint. During the summer months, the young Lipizzaner stallions from the Piber Stud Farm graze on the alpine pastures around Altes Almhaus on Stubalm. At the same time, the young Lipizzaner mares spend the summer on Brendlalm. The hiking trails cross these grazing areas and offer unusually close views of the Lipizzaners on their summer pastures. Please keep a safe distance and do not disturb the animals.
Gleinalm forms part of Gleinalpe and is presented as a separate hiking area on the Grazer Bergland page. Around Gleinalm-Schutzhaus, further alpine pastures, summits and panoramic high-level hikes await.
Gleinalpe and Stubalpe at a glance
- Gaberl, Terenbachalm and Roßbachkogel (Pussor)
- Salzstiegl, Altes Almhaus and Oskar-Schauer-Haus/Sattelhaus
- Stubalm Speik, Rappoldkogel, Peterer Riegel and Seinerkreuz
- Statue of Christ on Terenbachalm
- Young Lipizzaner stallions on Stubalm and young Lipizzaner mares on Brendlalm
- Connection to Gleinalm in the Grazer Bergland
Important information about Stubalm wind farm
During construction work in the Stubalpe hiking area, temporary diversions may affect individual trail sections, depending on the progress of the works. Further information on current trail diversions is available on the page linked below; please note that the information is provided in German only.
Hebalm, Reinischkogel and Ligist
Hebalm, Reinischkogel and the hills around Ligist reveal another side of the Lipizzanerheimat. Open alpine pastures gradually give way to wooded ridges, meadows and the gentle hills at the beginning of the Schilcher Wine Road. Family-friendly circular hikes meet panoramic summit tours and leisurely trails with numerous places to stop for food and drink.
Around Hebalmsee, Großofen, Reinischkogel and Wartenstein, varied hiking routes can be explored throughout the year. The Ligister Schmankerlweg culinary trail, the Celtic Trail and numerous traditional wine taverns also give the area a strong culinary character.
- Hebalmsee
- Großofen
- Reinischkogel
- Ligister Schmankerlweg and Celtic trails
- Traditional wine taverns along the Schilcher Wine Road
- Winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on Hebalm
Around Piber, Köflach and Voitsberg
Around Piber, Köflach, Bärnbach, Maria Lankowitz and Voitsberg, hiking routes lead through gentle hills, forests and panoramic cultural landscapes. Leisurely circular trails, panoramic hikes and varied walks make the area a popular destination for families, relaxed explorers and those looking to combine nature and culture.
The Maestoso circular trail in the footsteps of the Lipizzaners, the Kern-Buam panoramic trail and numerous hikes around Köflach, Maria Lankowitz, Bärnbach and Voitsberg offer routes for different levels of ability. The Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm is one of the region’s best-known attractions and can easily be combined with a hike. The same applies to Therme NOVA Köflach, which offers a place to relax after an active day outdoors.
- Maestoso circular trail in the footsteps of the Lipizzaners
- Kern-Buam panoramic trail
- Circular hikes around Köflach, Maria Lankowitz, Bärnbach and Voitsberg
- Panoramic hikes and urban walks
- Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm and Therme NOVA Köflach
Brochure "Wander- und Spazierwege rund um Köflach"
The “Wander- und Spazierwege rund um Köflach” hiking brochure provides a concise overview of selected walking and hiking routes in and around Köflach. It can be ordered here or downloaded as a PDF below. Please note that the brochure is available in German only.
Discover lakes and reservoirs
The lakes and reservoirs of the Lipizzanerheimat are ideal for walks, short hikes and relaxing breaks by the water. Packer Stausee, Hirzmannsperre, Hebalmsee, Langmann-Stausee and Lake Piberstein add peaceful natural settings and scenic rest areas to the region’s hiking options.
Many of them can easily be combined with a hike or a day trip in the region.
Experience culture
The Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm is the cultural landmark of the Lipizzanerheimat. For more than 100 years, it has been the birthplace and nursery of the Lipizzaners of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Visitors can see the famous white horses on guided tours of the stud farm, in the stables and across the extensive paddocks. Together with the Spanish Riding School, Lipizzaner breeding is recognised by UNESCO as cultural heritage.
St Barbara’s Church in Bärnbach, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and the Zangtal Mining Heritage Site in Voitsberg add further cultural experiences. At the Zangtal Energy Experience Park, historic mining machinery, artworks by regional and international artists, and interactive stations recall more than 200 years of lignite mining in the region. After a hike, Therme NOVA Köflach offers a place to relax.
Time for a refreshment stop
Alpine huts and traditional wine taverns are as much a part of hiking in the Lipizzanerheimat as panoramic high-level trails. From Salzstieglhaus and Altes Almhaus to the wine taverns around Ligist, numerous places invite hikers to stop for regional specialities. Many are located directly along the trails, making a break a natural part of the hiking experience.
Those wishing to stay longer in the mountains can find overnight accommodation at Moasterhaus am Salzstiegl, Alten Almhaus and Oskar-Schauer-Haus/Sattelhaus. Oskar-Schauer-Haus/Sattelhaus lies in one of the least light-polluted areas of Styria and offers excellent conditions for stargazing under clear skies.
FAQ: Hiking in the Lipizzanerheimat
Gleinalpe and Stubalpe offer a wide range of routes, from leisurely alpine pasture hikes to demanding summit tours. Popular starting points include Gaberl, Salzstiegl, Altes Almhaus and Oskar-Schauer-Haus/Sattelhaus.
Several long-distance hiking trails run through the Lipizzanerheimat, including the Nord-Süd-Weitwanderweg 05, the Weststeirischer Jakobsweg, the Koralm Kristall Trail and the From Glacier to Wine route.
Yes. During the summer months, the young Lipizzaner stallions from the Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm graze on the alpine pastures around Altes Almhaus on Stubalm. At the same time, the young Lipizzaner mares graze on Brendlalm in the Gleinalm hiking area. The trails cross these alpine pastures and offer striking insights into the Lipizzaners’ life on their summer grazing grounds. Please keep a safe distance and do not disturb the animals.
Yes. Several huts along the hiking trails offer overnight accommodation, including Altes Almhaus, Moasterhaus and Oskar Schauer Haus. Staying overnight in an alpine hut allows for an early start to the hiking day and time to experience the natural surroundings into the evening.
Family-friendly hikes can be found around Hebalmsee, the Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm and in the area around Voitsberg. Short circular routes, panoramic trails and leisurely walks are well suited to a varied day of hiking.
Hiking maps and brochures with suggested alpine hikes, circular routes and walks are available for the Lipizzanerheimat. They can be viewed online, ordered via the order link or collected directly from the Lipizzanerheimat information office.
Graz Region Tourism Association
Informationsbüro Lipizzanerheimat
Rathausplatz 2
8580 Köflach
Phone: +43 3144 712 777-0
lipizzanerheimat@regiongraz.at
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 noon
The Lipizzanerheimat takes its name from the Piber Lipizzaner Stud Farm. Lipizzaners for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna have been bred here for more than 100 years. The stud farm is one of the region’s best-known attractions and is closely connected with the history of the Lipizzaner breed.
