This hike, which is a highlight especially for nature lovers, starts at the Klausen entrance. The
Klause has been designated a Natura 2000 site, and as you stroll leisurely along the Laßnitz you will quickly realise why. You are in a unique natural landscape that must be protected at all costs. Visitors should also take this to heart.
The path leads you to the Breinmühle. From there you walk comfortably for three kilometres along a gravel road, the Laßnitztalweg, upstream. Soon you will pass the Lenzbauer fishing hut. From the Stöcklbrücke bridge, the road begins to climb. Cross the Laßnitz there and then turn right onto the newly built, level forest road on the left side of the Laßnitz, downstream to a small power station building. Enjoy the rushing of the stream, here your head is cleared and the sound has a wonderfully relaxing effect.
The path takes you past the Salzger Chapel, where two paths divide after 150 metres. You continue along the uphill one and the pleasant murmur of the Laßnitz becomes quieter until you can no longer hear it. Then a steep path follows, then a short tractor path and again a steep path until the romantic forest gives way to a flowery meadow and you have reached the farm vulgo Käfer.
Via a slightly ascending farm access road, you reach the highest point of this hike, which you reach at the junction with Oberlaufenegger Straße. Continue downhill along this asphalt road to the Scheidsberg elevated tank of the municipality with a view of Deutschlandsberg Castle perched on a rock. You should also definitely visit the castle museum and enjoy the unique view from the castle tower high above the Schilcher town of Deutschlandsberg.
At the S-bend, turn off the asphalt road onto the footpath into the forest. It provides wonderful shade on hot summer days and in spring you can experience how nature awakens anew while hiking. The path leads you to the Wegschoadkreuz, also called the Kortschakkreuz. From here you follow the F1 marking.
Continue straight ahead at a brisk pace along a forest path to the Urbani Chapel. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the winegrowers of this wonderful Schilcher region. Don't forget to taste the regional wine, which is particularly refreshing. This is the best way to end the hiking day.
The path climbs past the Stöcklpeter inn, where you should definitely stop for a bite to eat, to the castle. From here, no longer follow the F1 marking, but the wine trail and then go down the Jakobistiege. On this path you will learn everything relevant about local viticulture. Then follow Burgststraße down to the youth hostel. Immediately below this, walk along a meadow path with red-white-red markings across the playground directly back to the starting point, the Klausen entrance.
In addition to a relaxed hike, you had the opportunity to get to know Deutschlandsberg Castle and to learn more about and taste Styrian wine. That sounds like a successful day.