Stage 26 From Glacier to Wine North Route Anger - Pöllau

From the centre of the market town of Anger, the route initially heads east past the outdoor swimming pool to the tracks of the historic Feistritztal Railway, which are crossed shortly afterwards.

Running from Weiz via Anger to Birkfeld, the Feistritztal Railway is one of the few historic railway lines that instantly transports visitors back to a bygone era, when life moved at a slower pace. Travelling through the scenic Feistritz Valley, the narrow-gauge railway is one of the most popular attractions in Eastern Steiermark. Thanks to its numerous bridges, viaducts, and tunnels, it also offers countless photographic opportunities along the route. A particular curiosity is Europe's first narrow-gauge railway carriage hotel in Anger. A 124-year-old railway carriage has been carefully converted into an unusual holiday apartment and now stands beside the Hotel Angerer Hof.

Leaving the settlement area of Anger behind, the trail climbs gently through the so-called Fairy Tale Forest, known for its romantic mill and family-friendly atmosphere, before reaching the Holzerbauer Trout Inn (Tel. +43 3177 2293). In addition to its renowned fish specialities, the inn is also known for its themed culinary events throughout the year.

A short forest section follows before the trail reaches a small local road. Keeping left, the route follows the quiet road for just over two kilometres before turning left between two farmsteads. A pleasant gravel track then leads to the highest point of the stage at 929 metres above sea level.

The route now descends towards Pöllau, the heart of the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park, alternating between idyllic farms, meadows, forests, and open countryside. Across the valley, the pilgrimage church of Pöllauberg comes into view, providing a preview of the next stage of the Hiking Trail From Glacier to Wine.

Along this section, hikers also encounter the signposting of the Hirschbirne Trail, a beautifully designed hiking route dedicated to the region's culinary flagship product, the Hirschbirne. As the trail approaches Pöllau, it passes through the castle park surrounding Pöllau Castle, often referred to as the "Styrian St Peter's Basilica" because of its impressive appearance.

Once the recreation area of the Augustinian canons, the park is now open to everyone and offers numerous places to relax. An outdoor classroom in the elevated western section provides magnificent views of Pöllau Castle, the Parish Church of Pöllau, and the Pilgrimage Church of Pöllauberg. Nearby, a root garden offers fascinating insights into root systems and soil life. At the Hirschbirn hirsch'n information station, visitors can learn more about the Hirschbirne and the nature park, while additional stations throughout the region are also well worth visiting.

Upon reaching the beautiful market square of Pöllau, it is time to discover the region's culinary delights. Numerous restaurants, Buschenschänken, cafés, and specialty shops showcase the flavours of the Pöllauer Tal. Traditional pastries, cakes, and authentic Pöllau gingerbread can be enjoyed in the charming courtyard of Ebner Confectionery, while the master butchers Buchberger and Ritter are renowned for their regional meat and sausage specialities.

The local farm shops provide an excellent opportunity to sample and purchase regional products, and the Genuss-Land Map of the Pöllauer Hirschbirne Region offers further recommendations for culinary discoveries. With so many specialities to enjoy, hikers can perfectly prepare themselves for the next stage towards Hartberg.