On the Trail of Peter Rosegger - Through His Homeland
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.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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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:
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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.
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Halterhütte: The hike continues to the Teufelstein-Halterhütte, a hut located in a picturesque area that offers a scenic stop for refreshment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Book recommendations for this region:
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!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

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