Gleichenberger Kogel

The oldest vulcano of the region

Over 15 million years ago, the most powerful volcano in southeastern Steiermark was formed: the Gleichenberg Volcano. With a diameter of around 30 km, it rose from the primordial sea as a fire-spewing island.

Today, traces of this volcanic (hi)story remain in the thermal waters and the Gleichenberg Kogel – the peak of this once-massive volcanic complex.

The main summit, Gleichenberg Kogel, rises 598 metres above the region and offers breathtaking views, including towards Kapfenstein. The Kapfenstein Kogel, now crowned by Kapfenstein Castle, was also an active volcano some two million years ago.

Follow the trail of volcanoes and discover the geological history of this fascinating landscape on a variety of hikes. Whether you're tackling the more demanding northern section of the From Glacier to Wine trail – which also leads across the Koralpe – or taking it easy on the Herzspur (Heart Trail), there's something here for every hiking enthusiast. And for those wanting to walk right past the ancient volcanic rock layers, the Geo Trail is the perfect choice.

Map

Overview over all the trails

Hiking trails between the Gleichenberger Kogeln and Kapfenstein

Many paths lead to the Kogels: whether it’s the Kogel Loop Trail, Stage 33 of the From Glacier to Wine hiking route, the 3-Kogel Trail or its shorter variant. In Bad Gleichenberg, you can follow the Heart Trail – a path inspired by love. The Geo Trail features 11 stations that explain the formation of the Kapfenstein volcano.

Partially opened, Roadblock

Kogel circular trail (Kogelrundweg)

Accessible by public transport

Route 6,5 km

Duration 2:30 h

Begin Bad Gleichenberg

Difficulty medium

Roadblock

Partially opened

Weg Nr. 1 am Gleichenberger Kogel

Heart track (Herzspur) in Bad Gleichenberg

Accessible by public transport

Route 8,6 km

Duration 2:30 h

Begin Bad Gleichenberg

Difficulty easy

3 Kogel trail (3-Kogel-Weg)

Accessible by public transport

Route 26,9 km

Duration 8:00 h

Begin Kapfenstein

Difficulty medium

3-Cone Way Variant (3-Kogel-Weg Variante)

Accessible by public transport

Route 21,8 km

Duration 6:30 h

Begin Kapfenstein

Difficulty medium

Geo-Trail Kapfenstein

Route 2,0 km

Duration 1:00 h

Begin Kapfenstein

Difficulty easy

Stage 33 From Glacier to Wine North Route Fehring - Bad Gleichenberg

Accessible by public transport

Route 15,0 km

Duration 4:30 h

Begin Fehring

Difficulty medium

Zurück

Geo-Trail Kapfenstein

A volcanic educational trail winds around Kapfenstein Castle. Along this 2-kilometre path through the volcano’s rock layers, you’ll dive into a world of fire and smoke. Three special telescopes even let you take a glimpse into the past. This hike invites discovery and also leads through the idyllic vineyards of the Winkler-Hermaden winery.

Explore the Geo-Trail

Travelling by bike

If you’d rather admire the ancient volcanic cones from a distance, you can cross the gentle hills of the Thermen- & Vulkanland by bike – along one of the many cycling routes.

Excursion tips between the Gleichenberg Kogels and Kapfenstein

There’s plenty to discover around the ancient volcanic cones: listen to the Blue Danube Waltz at the Bad Gleichenberg water features on the "Most Beautiful Place in Steiermark 2023" – the main square of Bad Gleichenberg. Enjoy the view over dinner at Kapfenstein Castle or relax in the soothing thermal waters of the Therme der Ruhe in Bad Gleichenberg, with a view of the ancient trees in the historic spa park.

Dive deeper into the volcanic history at the Geo Info Kapfenstein, or sample the uniquely volcanic red wine Olivin at the Winkler-Hermaden winery.