Stage 02 Mariazeller Way Eibiswald – Deutschlandsberg

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 25,0 km

Time 7:30 h

Uphill 889 hm

Downhill 890 hm

Highest point 763 m

Enjoyable walking in Southern Steiermark: Vineyards, castles and small villages shape this varied landscape. Schloss Limberg, Bad Schwanberg and Deutschlandsberg accompany this approximately 27 km stage, which is long but relatively easy.

The route soon reaches Schloss Limberg, first documented in 1244. The present structure dates from the 16th and 17th centuries and is a well-preserved four-wing complex set on a hillside.

Bad Schwanberg, also first mentioned in 1244, features a historic castle settlement at the outlet of the Schwarze Sulm river. The former Capuchin monastery and surrounding castles are well worth a visit.

Finally, Deutschlandsberg awaits at the foot of the Koralpe. The town is known for its parish church and its castle, which houses the Archeo Norico Museum.

Near Aichegg, the trail also intersects with the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine, which connects the Dachstein Glacier with the wine region.

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

More information

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

A parking area is available after the roundabout at the entrance to Eibiswald (take the roundabout towards the town centre, then immediately after the roundabout turn left), or at the car park by the sports field or opposite the regional vocational school in Eibiswald.

From the main square in Eibiswald, the route follows the Radlpass road and crosses the Saggaubach stream, continuing via Haiden and scattered farmsteads to Vordersdorf.

The trail then follows the Hochmasser path, offering fine panoramic views, and passes through the settlements of Unterkraß, Oberkraß and Etzendorf before reaching the Hochmasser inn – a popular meeting point for pilgrims.

A steep descent leads to Schloss Limberg, followed by views of Schloss Hollenegg. The route continues to Bad Schwanberg and the Josefskirche, with wide views towards the Schöckl near Graz.

Several small churches line the route, including St. Wolfgang, a historic pilgrimage site first mentioned in 1494. Across meadows, vineyards and woodland, the trail continues to Deutschlandsberg, with several welcoming places to stop along the way.

Informationsabout Stage 3: Route, Duration & Directions Deutschlandsberg-Stainz

Mountain Rescue Emergency Number: 140

Emergency Call Tip – Answer the six key questions: What happened? How many people are injured? Where did the accident happen (possibly with GPS coordinates)? Who is calling (call-back number)? When did it happen? What are the weather conditions at the accident site?

Packing your backpack properly makes a big difference: pack heavier items first. Your water bottle should always be easily accessible in a side pocket. Items you need frequently, such as sunglasses, a camera, or a hiking map, should be placed on top. An emergency kit, including blister plasters, belongs in every backpack, and dressing in layers (“onion principle”) is always recommended.

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

TVB Südsteiermark, Tel. +43 05 7730

www.suedsteiermark.com

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com
www.steiermark.com/mariazell-pilgrimage-route