Stage 2 Grazer Bergland Hiking Trail: Frohnleiten – Übelbach

Accessible by public transport

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 20,6 km

Time 7:00 h

Uphill 1060 hm

Downhill 910 hm

Highest point 1240 m

From Frohnleiten via Haneggkogel through forests and alpine pastures into the “Bermuda Triangle” of the Gleinalpe to Übelbach. A scenic stage with wide trails and quiet stretches.

With the support of the Austrian Federal Government, the State of Styria and the European Union (LEADER).

The stage begins in Frohnleiten, whose history has long been shaped by the River Mur. From the railway station, the Grazer Bergland Hiking Trail crosses the river and passes through the historic main square towards Adriach. Landmarks such as the Taborturm, the monastery church, the Marian column and St. George’s Church line the early section of the route.

From Adriach, the climb leads through forests up to Haneggkogel, one of Frohnleiten’s local peaks. A new summit cross was installed here in 2024. The trail then continues as an extended ridge hike across the foothills of the Gleinalpe.

The route runs in steady ups and downs through woodland and across wide alpine pastures. The Gmoalm and the Plotscherbauer mountain hut lie directly on the trail and form part of the regionally known “Bermuda Triangle” of the Gleinalpe. A traditional Brettljause style snack is a welcome stop before descending to Übelbach.

The final section leads down to Übelbach, where the main square and historic townhouses mark the end of the stage.

Best season

January

February

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More information

The stage begins at Frohnleiten railway station (438 m). The Grazer Bergland Hiking Trail first leads through the town centre and across the main square towards Adriach. The actual climb starts at St. George’s Church.

The route ascends steadily on forest roads through dense woodland. After a clearing, a steeper section leads up to Haneggkogel (1088 m). From the summit, wide views open across the Grazer Bergland and the Mur valley.

The trail then continues as a ridge hike with gentle ups and downs past Schenkenberg and the former Gasthaus Ebenwirt. Crossing alpine pastures, the route reaches the Gmoa Alm (1237 m) before continuing to the Plotscherbauer mountain hut. From here, the stage can be shortened by arranging pick up with the flux shared taxi.

The final section descends steadily, mainly through forest with occasional viewpoints, until reaching the centre and railway station of Übelbach (580 m).

Stage Overview:

Start: Frohnleiten railway station (flux GU1269)
0.5 km Main square
2.2 km Adriach St. George’s Church
6.4 km Haneggkogel (1088 m)
8.9 km Schenkenberg Ebenwirt (flux GU1253 Hofamt-Gh Ebenwirt)
11.8 km Gmoa Alm (1237 m)
14.2 km Plotscherbauer (flux GU1827 Kleintal-Plotscherbauer)
Finish: Übelbach railway station 20.6 km (flux GU1813)

The hiking trail partly crosses pastureland. Please act responsibly and be considerate around grazing animals.

Shortcut:
After a total of 14.2 km, the flux stop GU1827 Kleintal – Plotscherbauer, located at the Plotscherbauer refreshment stop, offers a shortcut option before the descent to Übelbach.

Train
S1 railway line between Graz and Bruck an der Mur with a stop at Frohnleiten railway station.

Steiermarkbahn S11 between Übelbach railway station and Peggau-Deutschfeistritz railway station. Operates Monday to Saturday on working days.
No service on Sundays and public holidays. Access by shared taxi flux is possible. Further information at www.flux.at

Further information on train and bus connections at www.verbundlinie.at and www.oebb.at

Shared taxi flux
Further information at www.flux.at

Several parking options in Frohnleiten.
Several parking options in Übelbach.

Free hiking map and information:

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

Graz Region Information Office Frohnleiten
Hauptplatz 31, 8130 Frohnleiten
T +43 3126 2374