Großofen Circuit

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 11,4 km

Time 4:00 h

Uphill 550 hm

Downhill 550 hm

Highest point 1473 m

The Großofen gives this wild and scenic circuit its name and leads through peaceful high forest. Along the way, you can discover further rock formations before climbing the Großofen by ladders or through the rock chimney for a real adventure.

The 11.4 km hike from Modriach leads through peaceful high forest to the Großofen, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the area. The trail passes through a quiet, partly wild landscape, with further rock formations to discover along the way.

At the Großofen, several wooden ladders lead to the highest point of the striking rock formation. The climb is manageable and rewarded with beautiful views. Another wooden ladder leads into a small chamber inside the rock. Especially for children, there is plenty to discover around the Großofen.

Those who prefer a shorter route can return to Modriach along the same trail from the Großofen. This reduces the hike to around 6.5 km.

Best season

January

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

Take the A2 motorway to the Modriach exit. At the junction with the Modriach regional road, turn right towards Modriach village. After about 1.5 km, you reach the village centre.
Sufficient parking is available.

From Modriach Primary School, the trail climbs steadily for around 30 minutes, passing several weekend houses. Before the last farmhouse, the route continues straight into the forest. After a short distance, the trail splits into routes 35 and 38. Trail 38 leads towards Großofen. Around 450 metres of elevation gain are required to reach the rock formation, so the route climbs continuously. Even at a relaxed pace, Großofen can be reached in around two hours.The area around Großofen has a distinctly wild and romantic character. The striking rock formation can be climbed through a narrow opening in the rock. The ascent is an adventurous experience and offers beautiful views. An oversized wooden telescope also invites hikers to take a closer look at the surrounding landscape. From here, trail 38 continues eastwards and joins trail 35 towards Freiländeralm.

Shortly after Gfällkogel, the route reaches a trail junction. Turn left onto trail 37 towards Draxlerwirt and Hoiswirt. Along the way, the Steinerne Tisch is another distinctive rock formation.

At Hoiswirt, trail 36 leads back to Modriach.

Hiking or mountain boots
Daypack
Water bottle and snacks
Sun protection
Rain gear
First-aid kit
Mobile phone/GPS device

Highlights include the Großofen summit, distinctive rock formations along the trails, panoramic information boards and a telescope at the summit. For a route with less elevation gain, the hike can also be started from Freiländer Alm.

The Steirarodl summer toboggan run in Modriach offers extra fun, while nearby Hebalm Lake and Packer Reservoir are ideal for cooling off on hot summer days.

Take the flux shared taxi from Köflach railway station.
www.flux.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