From the main square we start in the direction of Schwammerlturm and Waasenvorstadt, where we turn right at the Waasenkirche into Donawitzerstraße. This leads into Kerpelystraße, which we leave after about 200 meters, at the railroad crossing we turn half-right into Pestalozzistraße. At the end of Pestalozzistraße, at the entrance to the voestalpine factory premises, we turn left over a railroad crossing back onto Kerpelystraße.
First along the steel mill and then along the fine rolling mill, where wire is produced, we ride on the R38 to St. Peter Freienstein, directly past Friedhofen Castle. We continue almost level next to the railroad line to Trofaiach. At the new main square we leave the R38 and ride through the Schulgasse to the Rupertikirche. Behind this church our route branches off from the main road in the direction of Rötz. Passing the cemetery, the sports facility and single-family houses, we enter Rötz. Soon the asphalt ends, we continue on the constantly rising gravel road in the direction of Hiaslegg.
After about two thirds of the way up Hiaslegg, the route branches off to the left in the direction of Hohe Rötz. Now it goes steeply uphill for some time on a narrow path. Those who have mastered this challenging piece will be rewarded with the beautiful scenery on the Hohe Rötz. Just as demanding as the ascent is now the descent to Vordernberg. The historic market Vordernberg is a cradle of the Austrian iron industry. Among the many buildings worth seeing, the Radwerk IV (museum) and the Lehrfrischhütte are particularly noteworthy. On the R38 it goes out of the valley in the direction of Trofaiach, whereby on the way the tractor museum in Friedauwerk is a "must" for all fans of old tractors. Along the railroad line the route continues slightly downhill to St. Peter Freienstein. The pilgrimage church of Maria Freienstein - situated on a rocky plateau above the village - can be seen from afar. The cycle path then leads directly past the idyllic Friedhofen Castle. In the stylish ambience of the former seat of the hammer masters, you can visit the BergWerkZeug exhibition on mining history.
From the past, the tour continues to the present of the steel industry. The longest rails in the world are produced by voestalpine in Donawitz, as is wire for a wide variety of applications. And all this with steel from the company's own blast furnaces. First along the imposing plant, we then walk through the district of Waasen, past the church of Maria am Waasen, founded in 1149, with Gothic glass windows that are particularly worth seeing, back to the starting point of our tour on the main square.