Stage 23 From Glacier to Wine South Route Leutschach - Ratsch an der Weinstraße

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 16,7 km

Time 6:00 h

Uphill 625 hm

Downhill 623 hm

Highest point 470 m

A beautiful and romantic stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine, leading deep into the heart of the South Steiermark wine country.Starting in Leutschach, the centre of the largest wine-growing community in Steiermark, the route leads to one of the most famous viewpoints in the South Steiermark Nature Park: the giant grape cluster sculpture on the Eory-Kogel. From here, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views across rolling vineyards, wooded hills, and the picturesque wine landscape that characterises this part of southern Steiermark.The trail then continues through the region's typical undulating terrain, alternating between vineyards, orchards, and pleasantly shaded forests. Via Sulztal an der Weinstraße, the route follows sections of the Styrian-Slovenian border before reaching Ratsch an der Weinstraße, another renowned wine-growing village in the heart of the South Styrian wine region.Combining magnificent scenery, wine culture, and traditional rural landscapes, this stage showcases some of the most iconic views and experiences along the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine.

Parts of this stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine follow the route of the Glanzer Hoftour, one of the most popular hiking trails in the South Steiermark Nature Park.

In addition to the famous grape cluster sculpture on the Eory-Kogel, several other art projects were created in 2015 to mark the 60th anniversary of the South Styrian Wine Route. Together, these installations celebrate the region's deep connection to wine culture, landscape, and tradition.

The landmark grape cluster on the Eory-Kogel, which had already become a well-known symbol of the region, stands five metres high and is made of stainless steel and glass. Its design is rich in symbolism: the sculpture incorporates 365 glass spheres – plus a 366th sphere for leap years – representing the days of the year. In addition, its 52 structural elements, consisting of leaves, trunk, and grape components, symbolise the weeks of the year.

Today, the sculpture is not only one of the most photographed landmarks in South Steiermark but also a striking symbol of the rhythm of nature and the wine-growing year.

Best season

January

February

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More information

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

From Leutschach, where hop cultivation plays an important role alongside viticulture and can be experienced first-hand at the Leutschach Brewery, this stage initially follows the Glanzer Hoftour, climbing gently towards the Eory-Kogel and its famous giant grape cluster sculpture.

Along the way, outstanding Buschenschänken, wineries, and wine estates invite hikers to stop and enjoy the region's culinary specialities. They also offer fascinating insights into the craftsmanship and traditions of local winegrowers along what is arguably Austria's most famous wine route, where visitors can still experience authentic wine culture at close quarters.

At the Eory-Kogel, the route turns left and continues towards the Sabathihof, where we keep right and remain on the Glanzer Hoftour. Crossing the Roßberg, the trail soon reaches the Germuth Winery in the heart of the wine route near Glanz.

From here, the route follows the border with Slovenia, sharing its course with the Southern Alpine Trail 03. One of the highlights of the stage awaits south of Sulz an der Weinstraße, near the Dreisiebner Winery. Here stands the Border Table, a unique meeting place located directly on the border between Austria and Slovenia. Surrounded by seating, it was created as a place for dialogue and exchange across borders. Today, it serves as a symbolic gathering point for culture, art, politics, local residents, and visitors alike.

After one final gentle ascent, the trail reaches one of the most photographed landmarks in the South Steiermark Nature Park: the famous Herzerlstraße, a road section whose distinctive shape resembles a heart when viewed from above.

Passing more wineries and traditional wine taverns, the route then descends gently into Ratsch an der Weinstraße, the destination of this stage. The following day, the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine continues along the border region towards Ehrenhausen.

In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region of Styria, Eastern Styria and Southern and Western Styria, the GenussCard opens the door to over 200 excursion destinations when you stay overnight in one of the approximately 100 GenussCard partner establishments. Countless of these GenussCard excursion destinations, ranging from culinary manufactories to bathing lakes and museums, are located directly on the hiking route "From Glacier to Wine".

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

There are numerous parking spaces available in Leutschach.

Steiermark Tourismus, Tel. +43 316 4003
www.steiermark.com

Kompass WK224 Steirisches Weinland- Stainz, Sausal, Sulmtal, Leibnitz www.kompass.at

Freytag & Berndt WK411 Steirisches Weinland · Südwest Steiermark www.freytagberndt.at