Celtic Trail (short loop)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 5,3 km

Time 2:00 h

Uphill 193 hm

Downhill 193 hm

Highest point 504 m

The short Ligist Celtic Trail leads from the market square up to Dietenberg and its Celtic archaeological site. Vineyards, forest trails and views across Ligist make this a varied shorter loop.

The short loop of the Ligist Celtic Trail combines the landscape around Dietenberg with insights into its early history. The climb leads to the Celtic archaeological site, where information panels tell the story of the former hilltop settlement. Dietenberg, first mentioned in 1066, is thought to have been named after a former lord of the castle called Dieter.

Beyond Dietenberg, the trail descends through vineyards and passes the reconstructed Celtic house before reaching the Schwarzwald forest. Here, the short loop turns back towards Ligist, while the long loop continues via Grabenwarth.

Best season

January

February

March

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November

December

More information

By car: via the A2 Steinberg exit or the B70 via Krottendorf-Gaisfeld
Public parking available in Ligist

From Ligist Market Square, the trail follows the Ligistbach stream and crosses the Hunesbach. After a short level section, the climb to Dietenberg begins. The next 500 metres are the steepest part of the route, with much of the ascent through shady deciduous forest. Passing a small quarry and a deserted farmhouse, the gradient eases before the trail reaches the vineyards on Dietenberg, with fine views back towards Ligist.

Beyond the vineyards, the route returns to the forest, with views down towards Teufelstein and across to Ligistberg. A final ascent leads to the Celtic archaeological site on Dietenberg. The trail then descends through the vineyards, passes the reconstructed Celtic house and follows the road for a short section. At the beginning of the Schwarzwald forest, turn left onto the forest path and take the short-loop junction towards Ligist. From here, it is around 30 minutes back to the village.

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

Worth seeing are the Celtic archaeological site on Dietenberg and the reconstructed Celtic house, as well as Ligist Castle Ruins (Lubgast) and Ligist Castle.

Train: S-Bahn line 7 to Krottendorf-Ligist
Timetable information at www.verbundlinie.at

Free hiking map and information:

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

Graz Region Information Office Lipizzanerheimat
Rathausplatz 2
8580 Köflach, Austria
T: +43 3144 727770, lipizzanerheimat@regiongraz.at