Tannebenwald Loop (R7) with Kunstkogel Trail

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 8,5 km

Time 3:00 h

Uphill 250 hm

Downhill 250 hm

Highest point 809 m

A loop trail for forest lovers on natural paths. The Kunstkogel Trail adds variety with artistic elements. The tour can be ideally combined with a visit to the Lurgrotte Semriach – first over the mountain, then into it.

The hike in the northwest of Semriach, in the Pöllau area, leads across the Tanneben ridge, a distinctive limestone formation that houses the Lurgrotte Semriach – Austria’s largest active water cave, stretching from Semriach to Peggau. The landscape is shaped by several rounded hills between 800 and 900 metres and numerous sinkholes. Most of the route runs through dense mixed forest, so wide views are rare, but the fresh forest air and pleasant coolness are especially welcome on warm days.

In the first third of the route, the Kunstkogel Trail branches off. This worthwhile detour features artistic elements in the forest, including colourful eyes on trees and various land art installations made from wood, branches and cones, creating attractive photo spots. Near the end of the loop, the entrance to the Lurgrotte Semriach comes into view. The large cave entrance is impressive even from the outside. A guided tour is recommended to explore the interior of the Tanneben ridge as well.

Quiet forest hike with artistic surprises and the Lurgrotte as a highlight at the end.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

By car: former Guesthouse Schinnerl at Lurgrotte, Pöllauerstraße 50, 8102 Semriach
Parking available directly on site at the Lurgrotte.

From the car park at the former Schinnerl inn, a meadow path with views towards Semriach leads into the Tanneben forest. Following the “Tanneben Forest Loop” signs, the route continues on paths and forest roads to a right turn onto the Kunstkogel Trail. Here, colourful eyes on trees and small stone cairns guide the way through the forest to an area with various land art installations. A narrow path leads back to the forest road and rejoins the main loop. Further along, occasional views open towards the Gleinalpe.

The route undulates gently through the forest, passing a wayside cross before reaching open meadows with scattered houses. After the Kogltoni farm cross, a partly steeper path descends to the road, which leads down to the valley floor. Following the Lurbach stream, the trail climbs slightly to the entrance of the Lurgrotte Semriach. A forest path then ascends again and crosses a pasture back to the starting point.

Start: Schinnerl Inn (closed)
0.7 km start of Kunstkogel forest loop
2.3 km back at Tannebenwald loop
5.5 km Kogltoni farm cross
6.9 km valley floor
8.0 km entrance Lurgrotte
8.5 km Schinnerl Inn(closed)

The Lurgrotte can be easily included in the hike as the trail passes directly by it. Guided tours run daily from April 15 to October 31.

flux shared taxi: By train to Bahnhof Peggau-Deutschfeistritz, then take the flux taxi to Pöllau GHf Zur Lurgrotte (GU 1446)

Parking at the former guesthouse Schinnerl near the Lurgrotte.

The Semriach circular hiking trails were created in close cooperation between local associations, the municipality of Semriach and landowners, and are maintained with great voluntary commitment.

Free hiking maps and information:

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