Pichling panoramic trail Nr. 5

Along the Grazerstraße we start freshly strengthened via the Jakob-Rosolenz-Stiege up to Stainz Castle. The castle with its striking yellow colouring is a landmark of western Styria. Here you should take some time to visit the hunting museum. Numerous agricultural exhibits can also be admired here. At the castle you will also find our tip, the Schenkkeller, which used to serve as a granary.

Then continue down to the Lemsitzbach stream. You will pass a show bee stand. Here you can learn a lot about the art of beekeeping from the numerous display boards. This station is an absolute highlight, especially for children.

Once you have arrived at the Lemsitzbach stream, you should take the opportunity to cool off your legs a little. Wonderfully refreshing. Then cross it over a small footbridge and cross the main road and hike up to the graceful Marienkapelle (Lady's Chapel) along an access path. This former forest chapel offers benches for a rest. Enjoy the wonderful view and let your eyes wander into the distance. Due to storm damage, the chapel is now free of trees.

After snapping a few panoramic photos to enjoy the beauty of the Schilcher region for a long time, turn right after a few steps and come to the village of Pichling. When you reach the main road, you will see the well-kept war memorial on the left.

Via hiking trail 5A you would have the possibility to take a shortcut. From there you have a wonderful view over the village of Stainz and the numerous vineyards that surround it, and in good weather you can see as far as the Koralm.

However, if you want to enjoy the entire loop, the path continues to the left along the pavement past the war memorial to a hilltop where you cross the main road at the traffic lights. Now you hike through the settlement of Kleinpichling and enjoy beautiful views of the Schilcherland in between.

Before the road descends, turn left into the forest and down to a wayside shrine. There is a hiking trail junction here. Turn right and continue towards Stallhof. Here, at a fork in the road, you will see the Calvary Chapel "Maria im Elend" on the right. The Way of the Cross, which you will find here, leads from the Calvary Chapel up 53 more or less weathered stone steps, past four Stations of the Cross through a mixed forest to the crucifixion group. The Calvary is accessible all year round.

But you continue hiking at the foot of the Calvary and come to the confluence of the Lemsitzbach and the Stainzbach. A wonderful place to end the hike quietly by the rippling water. Enjoy the wonderful nature of this unique region once again. Over a footbridge you pass the shooting range of Count Meran. Stainz Castle is still owned by this family today. Now it is only a few minutes to Stainz.

Take a stroll through this enchanting town and indulge in some culinary delights. You can either visit the local restaurants or one of the numerous wine taverns in the area.

Many starting points for our hikes in southern Styria can also be reached by public transport.

For a relaxed and sustainable journey, we recommend travelling by bus and train wherever possible. Depending on the region, additional local transport options are available.

This allows you to start your tour stress-free while also contributing to climate and nature conservation.

All information on public transport, local mobility services and timetables can be found at: www.suedsteiermark.com/arrival

Nearest train stations are: Lannach, Frauental or Deutschlandsberg.

Information offices:

Stainz Tourist Office, Tel.: +43 (5) 7730 710, 8510 Stainz, Hauptplatz 1

South Styria Tourist Association, Tel.: +43 (5) 7730, 8530 Deutschlandsberg, Hauptplatz 40

www.suedsteiermark.com