This traditional hike starts in the centre of the Schilcher town of Stainz, in front of the town hall where Archduke Johann once resided. Head west in good spirits along the Engelweingartenweg to the Engelweingartenwald forest. You always keep to the signs with the number 571. The Engelweingarten is one of the best vineyards in the region and is characterised by its bright colours, especially in autumn. Do not hesitate to taste the wine in one of the Buschenschänken in the area. On hot days you can find some cooling and peace in the forest. Enjoy the wonderful smell of the forest and look forward to what is yet to come.
After you leave the forest, you reach the Max-Gschiel-Strasse and it is immediately uphill to the Pletteri Chapel. Here it pays off to take out your camera or mobile phone, because you will find wonderful motifs. Why not take a souvenir photo or two of your hiking day?
If you continue along the road, you will come to the entrance to the Engelweingarten on the left, but you continue straight ahead on the Salleggerstraße and after about 50 metres turn into the Warteweg. Here you will also find a sign saying Aussichtswarte. Now you have to prove your fitness, because the steep serpentines lead up to the Stainzerwarte. But the unique view once you have reached the top truly compensates for the effort. The Stainzerwarte on the Lethkogel was built entirely of wood in 1902, it is 26 metres high and has 93 steps leading up to the platform. At the top you have an ideal view over the Schilcherland around Stainz. Every season offers a different picture. The top is also the ideal place to enjoy a Styrian snack or a good glass of wine.
After this experience, the trail continues slightly downhill and you pass some water tanks, after which it climbs again. The next special feature is already waiting for you on the left-hand side. A one and a half metre high menhir, a cult stone. Here, too, you absolutely have to pull out your camera.
Then you are already on your way towards the Stainzerkogel. The beautiful summit cross awaits you at the top, inviting you to take a leisurely rest. After you have recovered and are full of energy, the trail continues on a level path and you pass some open burial mounds until you reach the Steinbauerkapelle chapel at 693 metres above sea level.
Across flowering meadows and with a fresh breeze on your skin, you hike up to the farm of the Riegelbauern. Here you should definitely marvel at the collection of old handicraft tools and get some information about them from the farmer. An interesting journey back into the past of agriculture in western Styria.
At the Riegelbauerkreuz you have arrived at the next ideal photo point. After snapping a few pictures, you stroll relaxed through a shady high forest of meadows blowing in the wind to the Schneiderbauer. A chapel worth seeing has also been built here.
Follow a path to a forest road and a short stretch of a busy road to the Absetzwirt, which is unfortunately closed at the moment.
Nevertheless, you should still gather some energy, because until you reach your destination today, it is once again uphill. The path leads you directly to the Rosenkogel and its summit cross. A magnificent view awaits you here. Once at the top, it is a good hiker tradition to ring the bell of the small chapel for world peace. Don't hesitate to sign the summit book, because many hikers after you will be happy about a funny saying.
A wonderful hike over the Kogel around Stainz comes to an end. Many other wonderful hiking trails in the Schilcherheimat are still waiting to be discovered by you.