Hiking Styria

Panoramic hike to the new Stainzer Warte

For years it was not possible to enter it, but now the popular lookout point has been renovated and is becoming a magnet for visitors in Western Styria's Schilcherland.(Bild: Weges)

A real pleasure tour: we walk with the two "Krone" hiking experts Elisabeth Zienitzer and Silvia Sarcletti in the footsteps of Archduke Johann along the panoramic trail to the renovated excursion destination.

The panoramic hiking trail around Stainz leads through a region with a long wine-growing tradition, which was strongly influenced by Archduke Johann's commitment. His interest in viticulture and Stainz was great and so he acquired the Stainz estate in 1840 and had the indigenous Wildbacher grape variety cultivated.

A picturesque place to rest(Bild: Weges)

Today, not quite 200 years later, "his" legacy, the famous Schilcher, can be tasted in every wine tavern. The highlight of this hike is the Stainzer Warte on the Lethkogel, a viewing platform built in 1902, which was reopened on July 13, 2024 after extensive renovation work.

Make sure you plan time for a visit to the wine tavern(Bild: Weges)

The 360-degree view extends from Stainz and the surrounding area to the Styrian Randgebirge and the Graz mountains to the hilly landscape of southern Styria.

Before or after the hike, we recommend visiting Stainz Castle and, if time permits, the new permanent exhibition "Archduke Johann - a life for progress". Conclusion: hiking, wine and much more.

Facts & Figures

• Hiking data: 12 km/ 360 m elevation gain/ walking time approx. 3.30 h (entire loop).
• Requirements: easy hiking trail with short steep sections.
• Signposting system: marked and signposted (with yellow or wooden signposts/Stainzer Panoramaweg 1); at some crossroads the route is not clear; digital navigation is an advantage.
• Starting point: Stainzer Rathausplatz.
• Refreshment stops: several in Stainz; none during the hike, only a drinks machine after the bus stop.
• Questions and suggestions: WEGES - Silvia and Elisabeth, 0650/2611119, weg-es.at, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: wegesaktiv.

We start in Stainz (374 m) and follow the signs "Stainzer Panoramaweg 1" through the populated area in a westerly direction. We hike on forest paths to Eichegg - past the Ulz winery - to the Stainzer Warte (608 m) on the Lethkogel.

On the way with Elisabeth Zienitzer (left) and Silvia Sarcletti(Bild: Weges)

Downhill to a drinks station and uphill to the Stainzer Kogel (675 m) with summit cross. Via the Steinbauer chapel we hike comfortably to Angenofen (645 m).

The way back via Neurath is full of views and variety until we reach the valley floor and walk along fields and meadows back to Stainz.