Pankratius Way, Pöllauberg

We are standing in front of the Gothic pilgrimage church of Pöllauberg, which towers imposingly above the Pöllau Valley Nature Park next to the Annakircherl with its spring sanctuary. Perhaps some of us have already come along the pilgrims' path from the Pöllauer Kalvarienberg: so we pass several stone wayside shrines from the Baroque period. The last section of the Pöllau pilgrims' path embeds the "Europe Reflection Path" and shows us, among other things, several contemporary stelae, including that of the mystic Edith Stein, who perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp. We know: Women mystics repeatedly shield the foot traveller along the Pancratic Way and gently refer to the personal spirituality of the individual, as an essential element for illuminating God-relations and experiences. Contemplation, mediation and also free prayer help us along the 20 kilometres of mostly protected landscape to (re)discover the inner richness, the values, the virtues in life. Forms in personal growth, which includes the whole person in his relationship to the world and society. Reverence, tolerance, love of peace and solidarity serve as orientation.

But also the perception of the aesthetic should happen more often, we set out on stone-aged pilgrim paths, light-heartedly and easily the path winds like an inlay in the green of the hillside. Small sacred treasures invite us to pause now and then, to look into the distance, before the Romanesque-looking mountain pilgrimage church of St. Pankrazen opens up as a lively poetic place after about 10 km. The view from there into the Pannonian lowlands is beautiful, indescribable. We read the words of the mystic Simone Weil, alongside those of young contemporary writers, while we stop under the intercession tree. Later, a stop at the innkeeper's in the historic Mesnerhäusl awaits us.

We continue through the forest along the eastern foothills of the Masenberg in the direction of "Allmerschmid" and Erzherzog-Johann-Höhe. Soon after, we reach the Vorauer Brühl with its refreshingly wild waters and thus the lowest point of the trail. A little further on, the imposing Vorau Abbey opens up, with its 800 years on the hump, gnarled trees and outstanding contemporary art outside the gates, sound monument, library and world-class artefacts inside. Continue to the listed centre of the market town of Vorau. We are in Joglland and the energy of Hildegard von Bingen is palpable. We linger and look before passing the town hall, down the narrow street, approaching our destination, the Vorau Church of the Cross. Once a European pilgrimage centre in the Middle Ages, the sacred place today is particularly captivating with its niche chapels in the church graveyard, where the famous Baroque painter Cyriak Hackhofer also masterfully wielded his brush.

We end the trail with a pause and an entry in our diary: PankratiusWeg: connects 3 spiritual centres in Eastern Styria, virtues, values, orientation aids, landscape aesthetics, art culture, waves of hills, lived hospitality, exhilarating views and insights, discovery of slowness. Highest point: 1040 hm. Personal batteries recharged. Come again.

Important telephone numbers:
European emergency call: 112
Emergency call mountain rescue: 140 (if possible, please provide GPS data)
Rescue: 144
Fire department: 122
Police: 133

The trail is easy to walk and therefore suitable for the whole family. Correct behavior when hiking:  Rules of conduct when hiking
A few tips on correct and fair behavior in the forest:     

Hikers should avoid visiting the forest approx. 1.5 hours before sunrise and after sunset, as wild animals are particularly active during this time.  

Plastic bottles, handkerchiefs, cigarette butts etc. have no place in the forest! Please make sure that you do not leave any garbage in the forest.   

Camping and making fires is strictly forbidden in the forest!    In principle, every person in the forest is allowed to collect 2 kg of mushrooms and berries per day for their own use. It is only prohibited if the forest owner expressly forbids it.

• Small rucksack with water bottle (+ provisions)   
• Sturdy shoes   
• Appropriate clothing - preferably several layers - "onion principle"   
• Rain and sun protection   
• Hiking poles as required   
• Cell phone   
• Small first aid kit   
• Route description   
• Before starting the hike, check where you can stop for refreshments, including opening times, or pack suitable food and drink.

Pilgrim shuttle service: www.kutscherwirt.at
Pilgrim picnic at the "Mesnerhäusl": www.mesnerhaus.eu

Timetables and travel information can be found at Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) or at Verkehrsauskunft Verbundlinie.
For local transportation we recommend the SAM-Sammeltaxi Oststeiermark.

Information about the region, places to stop and stay, excursion destinations etc. can be found here: 

Tourism region Eastern Styria
Nature Park Pöllauer Valley office
Schloss 1
8225 Pöllau
Tel: +43 3335 4210
www.naturpark-poellauertal.at
www.oststeiermark.com

Current weather
Mobility Eastern Styria with SAM shared cab

Kompass Map, Hiking Map Nature Park Pöllauer Valley 1:30,000

Find out about maps, hiking brochures and other tour tips at the tourist office. You can also order information material on our website from the comfort of your own home.

Rother hiking guide "Oststeiermark - Von den Fischbacher Alpen bis in die Thermenregion", 50 tours, Elisabeth Zienitzer & Silvia Sarcletti paperback, ISBN-10, 376334577 available in bookshops