Eichberg Lurgrotte Circular Trail (R9)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 7,2 km

Time 2:30 h

Uphill 200 hm

Downhill 200 hm

Highest point 805 m

A varied circular trail connects the center of Semriach with the impressive underground world of the Lurgrotte, combining active movement with a memorable nature experience.

This relaxed circular hike combines a varied landscape with a guided tour through Lurgrotte Semriach, which has been owned by the Schinnerl family for several generations. The Eichberg Lurgrotte Circular Trail leads from the village center through forests and across meadows from Semriach to the northwestern district of Pöllau. Allow around 2 hours for the route to the cave entrance.

The Lurgrotte itself is an impressive natural monument with a constant temperature of 9 degrees, so suitable clothing is required. The cave was first mentioned in documents in 1822, and guided tours have been offered since 1895. In 1935, researchers succeeded in completing the full passage through the cave from Semriach to Peggau. However, the flood of 1975 destroyed parts of the walkways, so the through route is no longer possible. After the guided tour, the walk back to Semriach offers time to let the impressions settle.

A well-balanced combination of an easy hike and an impressive cave experience.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

By car:
Gasthaus-Hotel Jaritz
8102 Semriach, Neudorfstraße 1
Parking directly on site

The route starts at the Jaritz inn. It first follows the Marktbach stream to the next junction, where it turns right uphill through a residential area. A forest road then leads left toward the woods. The trail continues through the forest for about 1.7 km until reaching an ասphalt road, which is followed to the left. Passing the village inn Häuserl im Wald, the route continues gently downhill to a wayside cross. From here, the trail ascends gradually across open, scenic meadows toward Pöllau. It leads through the settlement to the edge of the village, where the former Schinnerl inn is located on the right. Just past it, signposts guide across a meadow and onto a steeper trail descending through the forest to the Lurgrotte parking area. The cave entrance is only a few meters away.

After the guided tour, the return follows the footpath toward Semriach. A wooden bridge is crossed, followed by an uphill section through the forest and later across meadow terrain. Along the stream, another bridge is reached, from where the familiar path leads back to the starting point.

Start: Gasthaus Jaritz
1,4 km Beginn Wald
3,2 km Häuserl im Wald
4,7 km Pöllau
5,4 km Parkplatz Lurgrotte Semriach
7,2 km Gasthaus Jaritz

Lurgrotte Semriach features one of the ten largest cave domes in the world, measuring 120 m in length, 80 m in width and 40 m in height; guided tours daily from April 15 to October 31

By bus: Regional bus 140 to Semriach, stop Hauptplatz Semriach, www.verbundlinie.at

Parking at Gasthof Jaritz
or in the village center about 200 m from the inn:
Parking Mehrzwecksaal Volksschule (parking area 1)
Parking Schulstraße (parking area 2)

The Semriach circular hiking trails were created in close cooperation between local associations, the municipality of Semriach and landowners, and are maintained with great voluntary commitment.

Free hiking maps and information:

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