We start the tour in the Kurpark Bad Gams at the overview board and opposite the former municipal office. On this overview board you will find the exact directions as a folder to take home or via QR code to download. The municipality of Bad Gams convinces with its Styrian charm. Old farmhouses with typical pointed, western Styrian tiled roofs accompany us along the way.
On the trail of the miracle doctor Johann Reinbacher vulgo. Höllerhansl, our destination is his "Höllerhof" which is now run as the inn "Zum Höllerhansl". The miracle doctor was known far beyond the borders of western Styria. His patients mainly came to Stainz by Flascherlzug at that time and then had to continue on foot uphill to the secluded Rachling. The miracle doctor diagnosed his patients' ailments/illnesses using the urine bottles they brought with them, and they were then given herbal teas, tinctures and schnapps for treatment. That is why the path was lined with discarded bottles, so that no signpost was needed. Hence the name "Flascherlzug".
The sign in the spa gardens of Bad Gams is our starting point. We start off to the left and follow trail marker 24. When we reach the crossroads at Kirchenwirt Nabernik, we turn left again. Our tour now leads us towards Stainz, past magnificent vineyards with wonderful views. Elated by the fascinating surroundings, our hike continues past the villages of Mitteregg/Genzenberg. Here we also pass by an excursion tip - Bad Gams Mill Museum. Guided tours are also possible here by appointment.
Following our path, the perfect opportunity for a short break and to recharge your batteries now awaits you. At the Kneipp station in Bad Gams, tired hikers' feet are revitalised. In the middle of the forest, you can "tread" cool, fresh water at the Kneipp station. Give it a try - and then walk barefoot up the steep hill to the Stainzerkogel. On forest and meadow paths along vineyards we can already see the high wooden tower, the Stainzer Aussichtswarte, from afar. Built in 1902, the lookout tower is made entirely of wood. From the viewing platform you have a wonderful view of southern, eastern and western Styria as well as the Upper Styrian mountains.
Cross the Salleggerstraße and continue hiking until you reach the Steinbauerkapelle chapel. From there, follow trail marker 24 and always keep to the left. Now you reach the highest point of the hike at 800m. From here it is only a slight downhill to Rachling. The remaining 1 to 1.5 km of the trail run along the municipal road to the church in Rachling. Opposite the church is the destination of our hike, the inn "zum Höllerhansl".
You can find more hiking trails in the Schilcherland here.