Comfortably, but steadily with a slight uphill, our tour leads through the Lieboch Valley on the eponymous Lieboch Valley Cycle Route R56 into the west of Graz. Here, away from Austria’s second-largest city, agriculture still dominates, which is also reflected in the lifestyle of the people. Diligence and a strong connection to nature are truly lived here. Shortly after the village of Hitzendorf, the climb to the highest point of the tour begins, a saddle near Stiwoll. 300 meters of elevation gain with a short descent in between must be mastered before rolling downhill to Gratwein in the north of Graz after another short ascent. Those who want to cool off along the way will find the Bad Weihermühle, a natural bathing lake in Gratwein, just right.
In Gratwein, we meet the Mur Cycle Route R2, which also offers the opportunity for an excursion to the Stübing Open-Air Museum. It is one of the ten largest open-air museums in Europe and offers insights into Austria’s diverse rural architecture and culture. Even before Gratwein, about five kilometers after Stiwoll, an equally interesting detour is possible: via a lightly trafficked country road, we can cycle to Rein Abbey. The Cistercian Abbey of Rein is the oldest continuously existing Cistercian monastery in the world and houses incredible treasures that are best discovered on a guided tour.
Returning to our main route, we cycle from Rein Abbey directly to Gratwein. In Gratwein, we now follow the Mur Cycle Route R2 along the back of the train station via Murmühlweg, away from the road, to Judendorf-Straßengel, whose landmark is the striking pilgrimage church, also visible from afar. Following the well-marked Mur Cycle Route R2, we return to the largest river in Styria, which we follow directly along its west bank to the Old Town of Graz at the foot of the Schlossberg. In one of the many cafés of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the next stage to St. Ruprecht an der Raab in Eastern Styria can be planned in a relaxed way.
Tip: Plan an extra day in Graz to discover the city by bike. The Graz Guides also offer “Sattelefst” tours, where you get to know Graz from especially exciting perspectives.