Stage 5 Grazer Bergland Hiking Trail: Gratwein – Judendorf-Straßengel

Accessible by public transport

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty medium

Route 15,8 km

Time 5:00 h

Uphill 550 hm

Downhill 550 hm

Highest point 714 m

From Gratwein across gentle hills and historic sites to Judendorf-Straßengel. A diverse stage with scenic views and a rewarding finish at the pilgrimage church Maria Straßengel.

With the support of the Austrian Federal Government, the State of Styria and the European Union (LEADER).

From the centre of Gratwein, the route leads directly into the countryside. It follows farmland and horse paddocks, continues through mixed forests and reaches several viewpoints along the way.

Soon the trail passes Schloss Plankenwarth, whose origins date back to the 12th century. The former castle once secured the area between the Liebochtal and the Murtal. A short detour leads to the Generalkogel, also known as Generalinkogel. Here lies the grave of Emilie Sarah Engelbronner d’Aubigny de Pechém. She was buried on this hill, formerly called Brennkogel, at the age of 77. Information boards at the summit share details of her life.

Further along the route stands the so called Bilderbuche with a resting area. The trail then continues along the ridge towards the former Goldhannwarte.

The stage concludes at the pilgrimage church Maria Straßengel. From here, wide views open across the Murtal valley.

Best season

January

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More information

The stage begins at Gratwein-Gratkorn railway station (381 m). The Grazer Bergland Hiking Trail first leads through the centre of Gratwein before climbing towards Kugelberg. Light deciduous forests and open sections with horse paddocks shape the first part of the route.

A quiet woodland stretch leads to the Lindenkreuz Chapel. The trail then continues to Schloss Plankenwarth (627 m), a historic landmark along the stage. After a short asphalt section, forest roads lead uphill to the Generalkogel junction.

A steeper side path climbs to Generalkogel (713 m). The summit area is partly overgrown but offers limited viewpoints. Back on the main route, the trail continues through forest to the Bilderbuche, a resting place along the ridge.

The route then heads towards Frauenkogel with the option of a short detour to the former Goldhannwarte (683 m). A narrow path descends towards the cemetery, followed by a short counter climb to the pilgrimage church Maria Straßengel.

The final section leads from the church into the centre of Straßengel and through the park to Judendorf-Straßengel railway station (374 m).

Stage Overview:

Start: Gratwein-Gratkorn railway station (flux GU1015)
4.9 km Lindenkreuz Chapel
6.2 km Schloss Plankenwarth (627 m) (flux GU4014 Plankenwarth Schloss Plankenwarth)
8.8 km Generalkogel junction
9.0 km Generalkogel (713 m)
11.3 km Bilderbuche
12.5 km former Goldhannwarte (683 m)
14.3 km Maria Straßengel pilgrimage church
Finish: 15.8 km Judendorf-Straßengel railway station (flux GU1014)

Train
S1 railway line between Graz and Bruck an der Mur with stops at Gratwein-Gratkorn and Judendorf-Straßengel railway stations.
Further information on train and bus connections at www.oebb.at and www.verbundlinie.at

Shared taxi flux
Further information at www.flux.at

Parking available in Gratwein-Gratkorn and Judendorf-Straßengel

Free hiking map and information:

Graz Region Tourist Board
Herrengasse 16, 8010 Graz
T +43 316 80750
info@regiongraz.at

Graz Region Information Office Frohnleiten
Hauptplatz 31, 8130 Frohnleiten
T +43 3126 2374