The starting point is the apple village of Puch near Weiz - the "heart" of the Styrian Apple Route. From Puch we head towards Harl, we are now on the WZ16/Apfeltour and therefore in the middle of ApfelLand with its orchards, with the striking Kulm on our right.
At the edge of the forest, we turn right and ride down the WZ16 to Feistritz. Here we turn right along the WZ16 or R8/Feistritzal cycle path along the river to the Stubenbergsee lake. Fire salamanders, grass snakes and tree frogs scurry along the cycle path, while wagtails, chaffinches and green woodpeckers give a concert in the treetops.
Once we reach Lake Stubenbergsee, we should definitely plan a break to enjoy Austria's warmest bathing lake with a wide range of leisure activities.
The route continues along the Feistritztal cycle path R8 with a small ascent to St. Johann bei Herberstein. The beautifully designed zoo with its historic Herberstein Castle is also worth a visit.
We continue left across the parking lot (slightly downhill) and then turn right again before the exit onto the R8, which leads us down to the Feistritz.
Shortly before the entrance to the castle administration, we turn left over the bridge and continue on the R8 to the bridge in St. Johann bei Herberstein.
At the bridge in St. Johann, we keep right and continue along HB7/Weinbergtour.
We head up to the village center with its church, monastery and a picturesque general store right next to the Riegerbauer estate.
We continue up the road in the direction of the "Hofberger Buschenschänken".
On the Hoferberg we are now in the middle of the wine-growing area and have a wide view of the countryside.
We reach Siegersdorf, pass the Lang winery and continue uphill at the next junction on the right ("Siegersdorf/Kulm/Stubenberg") along the HB7.
Above Siegersdorf, we turn left at the next crossroads and continue in the direction of "Kulm/Kulmkeltendorf".
We now ride below the Kulm, past the GH Ackerwirt. We enjoy the beautiful views and stay on the HB7.
At the junction with the main road, we leave HB7 and turn left into the village of Puch to reach the starting point. Several establishments invite you to stop for refreshments.