From Gösting castle ruins to lake Thalersee

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 10,0 km

Time 3:00 h

Uphill 300 hm

Downhill 230 hm

Highest point 590 m

A scenic hike from Gösting Castle Ruins via the Jungfernsprung to the popular Thalersee lake. The route combines varied trails with several rewarding viewpoints.

The legendary Jungfernsprung, a dolomite rock formation, offers spectacular views across the Grazer Bergland. The hike continues to the Gösting Castle Ruins, an impressive historic landmark along the route. A historic well and a woodland stream offer opportunities to cool off along the way.

In Thal, the Kreuzwirt is a good place to stop for refreshments, while the Jakobus Church, also known as the Ernst Fuchs Church, is well worth a visit. Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger can also visit his former home and museum. The hike ends at Thalersee lake, with boat rental and a newly built restaurant and terrace right by the water.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Car: To Graz-Gösting, for example via Anton-Kleinoscheg-Straße

From the terminus of bus line 40 in Graz-Gösting, follow the signposted trail no. 563, which climbs quite steeply at first. After a short section, the route enters the forest and passes vineyards on the outskirts of the city. Before reaching Gösting Castle Ruins, take the short trail to the right to the Jungfernsprung viewpoint, which offers spectacular views.

The trail then passes the castle ruins, which are currently being renovated and are expected to reopen to visitors in the future. Continue along the broad forest trail towards Thal/Kreuzwirt (trail no. 563) to St. Annen Bründl. From there, follow trail no. 31. At one point, the marked forest trail branches off to the right from the gravel road. There is no sign at this junction, so pay attention to the trail markings. The route descends to a stream and continues to Thal Oberbichl. After passing through the farm area, follow the small road to Kreuzwirt.

From Kreuzwirt, continue straight on trail no. 30, crossing meadows and woodland through Thal. After crossing the main road, the route passes a horse stud farm and leads to the clearly visible Ernst Fuchs Church. Continue past the municipal office and primary school, then climb on the opposite side towards Thal Castle Ruins and the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum.

The trail then descends to Thalersee lake. Follow the road and walk around the lake to the restaurant and bus stop. Bus line 48 takes you back to Graz-Gösting.

Enjoy the views from Jungfernsprung, visit the Ernst Fuchs Church in Thal inside, take a photo with the Arnold Schwarzenegger statue, and go rowing on Thalersee lake.

Bus 40 to Graz-Gösting, return by bus 48 from Thalersee to Graz-Gösting

Only limited public parking is available, for example on Straßengelstraße. Please keep residential driveways clear.

Free hiking map and information:
Graz Region Tourist Board
Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz
T: +43 316 80750, info@regiongraz.at

Bus timetables available at www.holding-graz.at/de/mobilitaet (or App Graz Mobil)