Stage 25 From Glacier to Wine South Route Ehrenhausen - Leibnitz

We leave the charming wine-growing village of Ehrenhausen, the starting point of the South Styrian Wine Road, heading northwest via Weinleitenstraße and Ladlerweg. After a short stretch through woodland and past open fields, we reach Retznei, a small village nestled between Ehrenhausen and Leibnitz.

The area around Retznei has been known as an important archaeological site since the late 19th century. However, our route bypasses the village centre, skirting its southwestern edge before passing a quarry and reaching the Zweytick Buschenschank.

Following a gentle ascent, the trail descends towards Aflenz an der Sulm. Here lies the Roman Quarry of Aflenz, the oldest quarry in Austria that is still in operation today. Often referred to as the Roman Cave of Aflenz, the site reflects the region's rich history. In an area originally settled by Celtic tribes, the Romans established a settlement around 15 BC, which was elevated to city status by Emperor Vespasian in 70 AD under the name Flavia Solva, the predecessor of present-day Wagna. Stone quarried in Aflenz was used in numerous Roman construction projects, and according to local tradition, even supplied material for the construction of the amphitheatre in Rome.

From Aflenz an der Sulm, the route continues past the Aflenzer Kogel towards Rettenberg, where vineyards and traditional Buschenschänken once again dominate the landscape. Turning right, we continue to the Seggauberg, home to several of the cultural highlights of this final stage.

Among them is the renowned Hirschmugl Winery, known especially for its organic wines and numerous awards. Around one kilometre further on, we reach the Frauenberg Temple Museum, the highest point of the final stage of the southern route of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine. Through its indoor exhibitions and extensive open-air archaeological area, the museum tells the story of more than 6,500 years of settlement history on the Frauenberg.

A short distance further stands Seggau Castle, one of the most important landmarks in southern Steiermark. Today, the former episcopal residence houses a hotel, conference centre, castle tavern, and one of the oldest wine cellars in the region. Particularly impressive is the historic 300-year-old Bishop's Wine Cellar, measuring 75 metres in length, 8 metres in width, and 8.5 metres in height. Its 36 oak barrels once held around 150,000 litres of wine. While no longer used for production, the cellar now serves as an atmospheric venue for tastings, events, and celebrations. An underground extension built in 1983 houses a wine shop offering Seggau wines and regional specialities.

Beyond the castle, the route descends before turning into a forest path leading towards the Sulm River. After crossing the river, the final kilometre brings us into the centre of Leibnitz, where the beautiful main square marks the end of the southern route.

With its cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, Leibnitz invites visitors to linger a little longer. Particularly worth discovering are the Genussplätze ("Places of Enjoyment") located throughout and around the town. Connected by five themed walking routes, these 20 places of enjoyment combine nature, culture, art, and regional identity, offering a fitting conclusion to a journey that has led from the eternal ice of the Dachstein glacier to the vineyards of southern Steiermark.

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

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

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