From Salzstiegl to Hirschegg via Peterer Riegel

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 16,0 km

Time 6:00 h

Uphill 505 hm

Downhill 1152 hm

Highest point 1967 m

This scenic high-altitude hike crosses open mountain ridges, passes Peterer Riegel, Seinerkreuz and Saureishütte, and ends in the village centre of Hirschegg.

The hike leads from Salzstiegl over the summit of Peterer Riegel and its summit cross to Hirschegg. Scenic high-altitude trails, open alpine meadows and prominent peaks shape the route. Seinerkreuz, Saureishütte and the idyllic St. Bartholomäer Chapel are among the highlights along the way. The varied trail finally descends through forests and meadows to the mountain village of Hirschegg.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Car:
Take the A2 motorway to the Modriach exit. Continue on the Modriach regional road towards Hirschegg, through Hirschegg and on to Salzstiegl.
Sufficient parking is available.

The hike starts at Salzstiegelhaus (1,543 m) and follows long-distance trail 505 past the wind turbines and the reservoir. Across open alpine terrain, the route reaches the turn-off to Peterer Riegel after around 3 km. A steady climb leads to the summit (1,967 m), where wide views open across Carinthia and Styria. A well-maintained trail then descends back to long-distance trail 505 before continuing towards Seinerkreuz.

From Seinerkreuz, the route follows trail 554 to Saureishütte (1,620 m), a good place for a break. The trail then continues via trail 45 to Bartholomäer Alm and the St. Bartholomäer Chapel. From there, trail 540 leads through forest and along forestry roads to the former Pongratzwirt. The final section descends through meadows and forest, with a short stretch on asphalt, before reaching the centre of Hirschegg.

The route combines open alpine ridges and panoramic viewpoints with quiet forest sections and a varied descent into the valley.

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

In late June and early July, the alpine rose bloom adds vibrant colour to the landscape. Highlights include Seinerkreuz and the St. Bartholomäer Chapel.

The starting point is not accessible by public transport.

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