From glaciers to wine
Long-distance hiking through Styria
FROM GLACIER TO WINE – ALONG TWO ROUTES
As the saying has it: the journey is the reward. However, the surrounding nature is also of great importance on the “From Glacier to Wine” hiking route. There are also numerous culinary and cultural highlights waiting to be discovered.
What is the “From glacier to wine” hiking route?
The route starts at the Dachstein Glacier, at the foot of the majestic Dachstein with its 2,995 meters. It offers a variety of landscapes that is unparalleled in Europe and represents Styria’s multifaceted hiking offer. On this route, hikers can discover Styria, its inhabitants and the regional culture.
The route leads through various adventure areas: from the alpine huts in the north to the wine taverns in the south. Every nature enthusiast will find their way here, on sections with stages of 3-8 days. The route is marked with thousands of stickers on the existing signposting of the Alpine associations, making it easy to follow.
The first stage leads through the eternal ice to the Guttenberghaus above Ramsau am Dachstein. This is where the trail splits and long-distance hikers can choose between two routes: The northern route leads in 35 daily stages to Bad Radkersburg in the Thermen- und Vulkanland region, while the southern route ends in Leibnitz in the Südsteiermark Nature Park in 25 daily stages. Such is the variety of hiking enjoyment in Styria.
TIP FOR HIKERS AND CULINARY FRIENDS
Styria impresses gourmets and nature lovers alike with its variety of delights in a small area – both scenic and culinary. Active holidaymakers can enjoy culinary delights on the “From Glacier to Wine” hiking route in particular, be it at the Alpine huts, in the wine taverns or at the numerous Kulinarium Steiermark establishments along the routes.
Both the northern and southern routes can of course also be hiked in partial stages. Thanks to the well-developed public transport network with train and buses as well as special hiking and valley buses and hiking cabs, it is possible to return comfortably to the starting point from almost any stage location.
Several 3-day tours between the Dachstein and Hochschwab allow you to explore the north of Styria. Those who want to experience the deep green forests of the Fischbach Alps and the culinary delights of eastern Styria can embark on one of the multi-day tours, which are between 2 and 8 days long. For those who want to immerse themselves in the Schladminger Tauern, the region around Murau with the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park or southern Styria, there are numerous tour tips between the Tauern and Weinland.
A total of almost 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails offer unique enjoyment. Tour variants such as an alpine stage in the Gesäuse or the integration of mountain railroads on the Tauplitzalm for an easier ascent extend the trail network to an impressive 995 kilometers.
The northern route:
The northern route stretches over 35 daily stages from the imposing glaciers between Dachstein and Rax to the picturesque wine country of Styria. This route impresses with its scenic contrasts – from rugged limestone massifs to gentle vineyards. Hikers experience alpine exposure and the peaceful seclusion of rural farms in equal measure.
The route begins in the alpine north with the striking limestone massifs of the Dachstein, Gesäuse, Hochschwab and Rax. Here you will encounter challenging mountain scenery and the deep green forests of the Fischbach Alps. The route continues through the Almenland Nature Park, the largest contiguous low mountain pasture area in Europe, and the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park. After this alpine challenge, six thermal spas in the thermal and volcanic region such as Bad Waltersdorf, Bad Blumau and Bad Radkersburg offer well-deserved relaxation. Special culinary experiences await gourmets at the Gölles vinegar factory or the Zotter chocolate factory, as well as cultural experiences at historic sites such as Riegersburg Castle.
Tips for the nothern route:
Genusshof Alois Gölles: Discover fine vinegars and brandies from the region
Schokoladenmanufaktur Zotter: Immerse yourself in the world of handmade chocolates and experience chocolate indulgence in its purest form
Riegerburg: Visit the imposing castle complex and enjoy the historic atmosphere
The southern route:
The southern route leads over 25 day stages from the majestic Dachstein over the Schladminger Tauern to the mountaineering village of Krakow. Historic towns such as Murau and the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park offer cultural highlights and relaxation in nature on this route. Culinary highlights await hikers in Schilcherland and Südsteiermark Nature Park with their inviting wineries and taverns.
After the snow-capped peaks of the Dachstein massif, crystal-clear mountain lakes and green alpine pastures characterize the landscape of the Schladminger Tauern. The old town of Murau, the Benedictine monastery of St. Lambrecht and the Zirbitzkogel panoramic mountain offer welcome resting points in the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. The route continues through the Zirbenland to Obdach and over the Pack- and Koralpe into the wine country of Styria. Panoramic wineries and wine taverns in Schilcherland invite you to enjoy a well-deserved wine tasting in the picturesque region of southern Styria as far as Leibnitz.
Tips for the southern route:
Wineries in Southern Styria: taste the region’s unique wines at one of the many wineries
Berggasthof Zirbitzkogel: enjoy a break with a panoramic view of the Zirbitzkogel
Schilcherland: Taste the characteristic Schilcher wine in one of the cozy wine taverns
These two routes not only offer hikers unique nature experiences, but also culinary and cultural highlights along the way.
Unique retreats for
incomparable experiences:
