Celtic Trail (long loop)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 8,8 km

Time 3:00 h

Uphill 268 hm

Downhill 268 hm

Highest point 504 m

The Celtic Trails lead from the market square in Ligist up to Dietenberg and its Celtic archaeological site. Information panels along the way offer insights into the hilltop settlement and its history.

The long loop of the Ligist Celtic Trail combines varied scenery with insights into the history of the region. Starting at the market square in Ligist, the route climbs to Dietenberg, where archaeological remains and information panels provide an insight into the former Celtic hilltop settlement. The name of the mountain, first mentioned in 1066, is thought to derive from a former lord of the castle named Dieter.

Beyond Dietenberg, the longer loop continues through the Schwarzwald forest and Grabenwarth. Forest paths, vineyards and open sections shape the route before it descends into the Ligist valley and returns to the starting point.

Best season

January

February

March

April

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June

July

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September

October

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 leading 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 vineyards, passes a reconstructed Celtic house and follows the road for a short section. At the beginning of the Schwarzwald forest, turn left onto a forest path. At the junction with the shorter route, stay on the long loop and continue towards Grabenwarth.

From there, follow the route towards Steinberg before turning right into the forest and onto the Eisbach trail. After crossing the Hunesbach, keep right at the next junction and continue along the Celtic Trail past several farmsteads. At a junction in the forest, turn left and descend through an old sunken lane to the Ligist valley floor. After crossing the bypass road, the final section leads back to Ligist market 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

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