Senses hike: Rettenbach - Mariatrost

Tram line 1 takes you from Hauptplatz towards Mariatrost. Arriving at the Waldhof/Rettenbachklamm stop, cross Mariatrosterstraße and then follow the sign through Steingrabenweg towards the gorge. Even though Rettenbachklamm gorge is not an overly demanding hiking trail that can be easily mastered by children of (pre-)school age, you still need good shoes and surefootedness, because depending on the weather it can be quite slippery. The babbling of the Rettenbach, which can sometimes turn into a loud roar, accompanies you along the path over hill and dale. In the summer heat, your feet will enjoy a refreshing cooling down in the water. Once you reach the end of the gorge, you come to a fl at forest area and follow the signs towards Stephanienwarte/Platte. The trail climbs along a horse paddock up to the Pölzer family’s idyllic orchard. It almost feels Mediterranean here. The chirping of crickets, a gentle breeze and the country estate where a variety of wonderful fruit thrives. The Christmas tree farm’s scent of pine needles is another highlight for the senses. When you reach the top of the road, you have to take a deep breath, because now the rather steep climb up through the forest towards “Stephanienwarte” begins. Feel free to rely on the markings on the trees! The strenuous walk is rewarded with a sensational view. Have you got any puff left? Take another run-up and climb the stairs to the “Stephanienwarte” viewing platform. On the way back, follow the signs towards “Mariatrost Basilica”. Spot the fenced pasture of the Hopfer family’s deer farm. After this you will soon reach Mariatrosterstraße again. From there you can either walk to the Mariatrost basilica again or go straight to the Mariatrost tram stop.

Definitely worth a visit: Stefanienwarte and the Basilica Mariatrost

Getting there: Tram line 1 from Hauptplatz to the Waldhof stop

Getting back: Tram line 1 from Mariatrost

 

Essen & Trinken

• Kirchenwirt Graz (im Umbau bis voraussichtlich Mai 2023)
• Buschenschank Wastl
• Hofladen Pfeifer-Sieber

Sehen & Erleben

• Stephanienwarte
• Basilika Mariatrost