Stage 17 From Glacier to Wine South Route Pack - Weinebene

Accessible by public transport

Public bus (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 20,0 km

Time 6:30 h

Uphill 936 hm

Downhill 407 hm

Highest point 1830 m

This stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine leads from the village of Pack to the elevated landscapes of the Weinebene.

Along this section, which also forms part of the Koralm Crystal Trail, hikers encounter a varied route of gentle ascents and descents through a landscape shaped by an extraordinary geological history. Striking rock formations and geological features bear witness to the powerful natural processes that have shaped the Koralm over hundreds of millions of years.

In recognition of its outstanding geological significance, the Koralm Crystal Trail was included in the network of Via GeoAlpina Trails in 2009, highlighting its importance as one of the most remarkable geological hiking routes in the Alpine region.

On this stage, we follow the route of the Via Alpina in the opposite direction – in this section, along its Purple Trail.

The Via Alpina is one of Europe's most renowned long-distance hiking networks. Consisting of five international routes, it crosses the Alps, Europe's largest continuous natural area, and connects some of the continent's most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Since its launch in 2000, the Via Alpina has brought together public institutions, tourism organisations, and local communities across the eight Alpine countries. The project promotes the shared natural and cultural heritage of the Alps while encouraging cross-border cooperation and exchange.

The Purple Trail, which accompanies us here, is particularly well suited for exploring the Eastern Limestone Alps, stretching from the Karawanken in the south-east to the Allgäu in southern Germany.

In Steiermark, the Via Alpina leads from the gentle hills of the Schilcherland on the Slovenian–Styrian border to the rugged mountain peaks of the north, including the dramatic landscapes of Gesäuse National Park.

Best season

January

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More information

Detailed information on how to get to Pack can be found here.

From Pack, the route first returns to the North–South Trail 05, which accompanies us for the next several kilometres towards the Handalm and the Weinebene.

Near the Gerhaber farmstead, we pass the mysterious Stoanernes Mandl, a leaning stone bearing the carved outline of a face. Who created it, when, and for what purpose remains unknown. Some believe it dates back to the Middle Ages, while others attribute it to Celtic times. Local legends tell of an enchanted woman who left her mark here.

The trail then climbs gently onto the Hebalm, where several welcoming refreshment stops await. The Hebalm Stub'n (Tel. +43 660 7640669, open Friday to Sunday during summer) and the Hebalm Seestüberl (Tel. +43 664 1005760), located beside the lake, offer ideal places to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.

One of the most remarkable attractions on the Hebalm is the unique Cathedral of the Forest. Here, a wooden walkway follows the ground plan of Milan Cathedral at a reduced scale through an eighty-year-old spruce forest. The treetops evoke the countless towers and spires of the famous cathedral, creating a truly extraordinary atmosphere. From time to time, concerts, readings, and special events are held in this natural setting.

The route then continues past the cross-country skiing centre and the Rehbockhütte (Tel. +43 3469 550; closed on Wednesdays during summer) to the raised bog of See-Eben, home to a fascinating variety of plant species. A viewing platform built in 2008 on the northern edge of the bog provides excellent views across this unique landscape.

From there, the trail crosses the Wildbachersattel and the Weberkogel, repeatedly passing striking rock formations known as rock ovens, including the impressive Bärofen. These weathered formations of plate gneiss are characteristic features of the Koralm region.

Finally, we reach the Handalm, which rewards hikers with magnificent panoramic views and an abundance of remarkable rock formations. From here, it is only a short distance to the Weinebene and the Gösler Hütte (Tel. +43 664 3024510), today's stage destination.

Please note: If the Gösler Hütte is fully booked, the Biohotel Alpengasthof Koralpenblick (Tel. +43 3461 210) offers accommodation and also provides a shuttle service from the Weinebene.

In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Styria, Eastern Styria and Southern and Western Styria, the GenussCard opens the door to over 200 excursion destinations when you stay overnight in one of the approximately 100 GenussCard partner establishments. Countless of these GenussCard excursion destinations, ranging from culinary manufactories to bathing lakes and museums, are located directly on the hiking route "From Glacier to Wine".

Accessible by train and bus: detailed information about arriving by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) can be found at www.oebb.at or on the Verbundlinie Steiermark website www.busbahnbim.at

With Verbundlinie’s BusBahnBim route planner app, planning your journey has never been easier: simply enter towns and/or addresses, stop names or points of interest to check all bus, train and tram connections in Austria. The app is available free of charge for smartphones – on Google Play and in the App Store

There are numerous parking spaces available in the village of Pack.

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com

Kompass WK219 Lavanttal, Saualpe, Koralpe www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK132 Gleinalpe · Lipizzanerheimat · Leoben · Voitsberg und WK411 Steirisches Weinland · Südwest Steiermark www.freytagberndt.at