Young Romans cycle longer...
The pleasure tour begins in Hartberg - in the Middle Ages the first meeting place of the nobility, the city shines today as a historical place for enthusiasts, dreamers and connoisseurs. In addition to an atmospheric old town with buildings dating back to the 12th century, such as the Hartberg Karner, the district capital also offers modern meeting places. The "Maxoom" at the Ökopark, for example, houses the largest Styrian cinema screen, and the UNESCO European nature reserve Hartberger Gmoos and the 5,000 m2 bellabayer show garden are just as worth seeing. In any case, a view of the East Styrian hill country from the Ringwarte is also worthwhile.
From the center of Hartberg, the tour leads into the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park. Immediately adjacent to the center of the town, the "Villa rustica" site - a Roman estate - presents itself in Löffelbach. And just a few meters away, the Retter-Kneißl family with its Buschenschank and Vinothek offers an ideal refreshment stop for wine connoisseurs.
....and enjoy delicacies.
Shortly before the traffic circle Winzendorf there is the possibility to stop at the village inn Gasthaus Bohmann. Then it's off to Schönegg near Pöllau and you don't have to "stalk" too far to enjoy the legendary Hirschbirne. This special fruit is descended from an old Styrian pear tree variety whose name is derived from the word "autumn". Larger stands of these trees are only preserved in the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park - where farmers use their skill and traditional knowledge to conjure up true delicacies from the pears (stag pear juice, stag pear cider, noble brandies, vinegar or the vitamin-rich Kletzen).
At the Buschenschenken Spindler, Safner, Muhr, Krobath, Kainer and Kogler, among others, you can fortify yourself with these regional delicacies. Via Schönaudorf, where you turn right in the village center, you then cycle on through a beautiful mixed forest. Passing the "Pferdeland Pöllauer Tal" you cycle upstream along the river Safen. You rest at the "Platzerl am Bach" and let your feet dangle in the water. Along the Safen valley you will reach Pöllau. Imposingly rises here on the one hand the parish church and castle Pöllau and on the other hand the high gothic pilgrimage church Pöllauberg.
The wide range of highlights worth seeing in the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park extends from historic church buildings to idyllic parks, attractive sports facilities, traditional events and culinary delights to modern leading businesses and manufactories - with opportunities for tours and tastings.