Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség weboldalai MTSZ MTSZ térképportál Turista Magazin TuristaShop Kéktúra Gerecse50 A kéktúrázás napja
Try Pro for free
Choose a language
Plan a route here Plan similar route
Thematic Trail Thematic Trail  · Hochsteiermark Open

On the Trail of Peter Rosegger - Through His Homeland

Responsible for this content
Hochsteiermark Verified partner 
  • Die Waldschule Peter Roseggers
    Die Waldschule Peter Roseggers
    Photo: Harry Schiffer, CC BY-ND, Steiermark Tourismus

Selected alternatives for you

    The tour through the Waldheimat in the northeast of Styria follows sections of the Mariazeller Weg 06, which runs from Eibiswald in southern Styria to the famous pilgrimage site of Mariazell in the north, and a part of the Zentralalpenweg 02, which crosses Austria from Hainburg an der Donau to Feldkirch in Vorarlberg. This trail takes us through the homeland of one of Austria's most famous writers, Peter Rosegger.

    Due to the many sights and stations along the route, we recommend splitting the tour into two to three stages. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the homeland of this great Austrian and enjoy the many scenic spots along the way.

    Open
    difficult
    Distance 26.9 km
    11:00 h
    1,387 m
    779 m
    1,782 m
    965 m

    The hike, set at a comfortable and healthy altitude between 1,000 and 1,800 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramas over eastern Austria. Along the way, you'll find numerous spots where you can stop, relax, and fully immerse yourself in nature.

    Highlights of the trail include the Teufelstein, where legend has it the Devil tried to build a tower reaching to the sky, and the Peter Rosegger memorials, where you can explore the old traditions of both rural and urban life from the late 19th century. The hike also offers stunning views of about one-third of Austria's territory, extending deep into the Pannonian Plain.

    And, as it is typical in Styria, there are cozy huts and inns along the way, such as those on the Alpl or the Rosegger Schutzhaus on the Pretul, renowned for its blackberry strudel (made with wild blueberries). These spots offer the perfect place to rest and enjoy the local hospitality.

    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    1,782 m
    Lowest point
    965 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Show elevation profile

    Tips and suggestions

    Tourist Office Hochsteiermark

    Roadbook

    This hiking tour takes you through Peter Rosegger's Waldheimat, a beautiful region in the northeast of Styria that deeply influenced the life and work of one of Austria's most famous authors. Starting at the Schanzsattel Pass, a historic link between the Mürztal and Eastern Styria, the journey is filled with fascinating landscapes and stops that showcase the rich history and nature of this region.

    Key Highlights of the Hike:

    1. Teufelstein: The Teufelstein, a famous legend-rich location, is one of the first major stops, where, according to folklore, the Devil tried to build a tower reaching the heavens. The stone offers a panoramic view, with vistas of the Hochschwab and Gesäuse mountain ranges in the west and the rolling hills of Eastern Styria to the east.

    2. Halterhütte: The hike continues to the Teufelstein-Halterhütte, a hut located in a picturesque area that offers a scenic stop for refreshment.

    3. Rosegger Memorials: Along the way, you'll pass key Peter Rosegger memorials, including his birthplace, where he spent his first 17 years. The visit to his birthplace allows you to dive deep into the life of this famous naturalist and writer.

    4. Waldschule: The Waldschule (Forest School), where Rosegger taught, is a must-see. This historic building houses not only the classroom and study room of Peter Rosegger but also the Austrian Hiking Museum, showcasing items related to Alpine history.

    5. Hauereck and Pretul: The hike continues through lush forests, over the Hauereck, where hikers can enjoy regional specialties at a hut, and then heads towards the Rosegger Schutzhaus at Pretul. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views and the famous blackberry strudel.

    6. Stuhleck: Finally, the journey brings you to the Stuhleck, one of the highest peaks in the region, where a 360° panoramic view reveals the stunning landscapes of East Austria, the Alps, and Hungary.

    This hike is not only a cultural journey through Peter Rosegger's literary homeland, but also a natural adventure through some of the most scenic and historically significant landscapes in Eastern Austria. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or enjoying a meal at a traditional alpine hut, this route offers a rich and rewarding experience.

    Rest stop
    Tip
    Nearby
    Top Partner
    Waypoint
    Start point
    End point
    Low point
    High point
    Forecast
    Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
    show {x} more
    Photo
    Video
    Teufelstein
    Windpark Steinriegel - Pretul
    Roseggerhaus
    Alois-Günther-Haus

    Public transport

    ÖBB: www.oebb.at or Verbundlinie Steiermark: www.busbahnbim.at

    With the BusBahnBim app from Verbundlinie, getting timetable information is easier than ever: You can search for all connections by bus, train, and tram in Austria by entering places, addresses, stops, or key locations. The app is available for free for smartphones (Android, iOS) on Google Play and the App Store.

    Parking

    Drive via the S6 Semmering Schnellstraße (exit Kindberg) and the B72 to the Schanzsattel.


    A parking lot is available directly at the central hiking starting point next to the Gasthof Schanzsattel.

    Coordinates

    DD
    47.457530, 15.593140
    DMS
    47°27'27.1"N 15°35'35.3"E
    UTM
    33T 544707 5256180
    w3w 
    ///park.navigation.savviest
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendations for this region:

    Show more

    Equipment

    Emergency Rescue Call: 140

    Tip for Emergency Reporting – Answer the six following questions:

    • What happened?
    • How many injured persons?
    • Where did the accident happen (possibly GPS coordinates)?
    • Who is reporting (callback number)?
    • When did the accident happen?
    • Weather at the accident site?

    Packing your backpack properly makes everything easier:

    • Pack heavy items first.
    • The water bottle should always be easily accessible in a side pocket.
    • Items that are frequently needed, like sunglasses, camera, or hiking map, should be packed on top.
    • A first aid kit, including blister plasters, should be in every backpack.
    • Layered clothing is always recommended!

    User Questions

    Don't see what you need here?
    Ask a question and get an answer from the author, the official DMO or the community.

    No ratings (yet)
    Be the first to leave a rating or write a review!
    Share your experiences and advice to help millions of people find and plan their next outdoor adventure.
    Write a review
    Rating submitted
    Status
    Open
    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    26.9 km
    Duration
    11:00 h
    Ascent
    1,387 m
    Descent
    779 m
    Highest point
    1,782 m
    Lowest point
    965 m
    Linear route

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

    • My Map
    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile
    Logo agrar Logo aofk Logo mol Logo otp