Circumnavigation of the Pöllau Valley Nature Park, Pöllau

As it is a loop, you can start anywhere.We start at Gasthaus Bohmann in Winzendorf and walk in the direction of Gasthaus Stiegenwirt and the Hirschenkogel (876m).  After this approx. 7km hike we continue to the Masenberg (1,261m). After a short rest at the refuge and a visit to the Glückskapelle chapel and the Masenberg summit cross, we continue over the Lüßwaldsattel in the direction of Grünauer Kreuz and Zisser Taferne. From there we follow the hiking trail towards Schloffereck, where we enjoy a magnificent view over the Pöllau Valley. Passing the Gschaider Linde lime tree, we make our way to the highest point in the Pöllau Valley Nature Park, the Rabenwaldkogel (1,280m). Now almost all the climbs are done: we hike past the Wetterkreuz and transmitter to the Buchkogel summit cross (907m) and at the Freiberger Höhe we can let our gaze wander into the ApfelLand Stubenbergsee on the one hand and the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park on the other. Now the hiking trail leads us past a few wine taverns, which are easily accessible via a small turn-off to Schönaudorf and back to Winzendorf.You have the option of hiking the tour in several stages and taking the SAM cab back to the starting point.Some of the most important SAM stops along the route are:HF 5843 Oberneuberg-MasenbergHF 5995 Sonnhofen-SchloffereckHF 5996 Gschaid near Birkfeld-PasshöheHF 5997 Rabenwald-Sender-Höfler

Hiking on a wonderful circular route in the Pöllau Valley Nature Park. As it is a circular tour, the tour can be started practically anywhere. These hikes are reserved for experienced hikers due to the altitude and length.

Timetables and travel information can be found at Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) or at Verkehrsauskunft Verbundlinie.

For local transport we recommend the SAM-Sammeltaxi Oststeiermark.

Pöllau, Bohmann Restaurant

Information about the region, places to stop for refreshments and overnight accommodation, excursion destinations etc. can be found here:

Tourism region Eastern StyriaNature Park Pöllauer Valley officeSchloss 1, 8225 Pöllau, AustriaPhone: +43 3335 4210  www.naturpark-poellauertal.at www.oststeiermark.com

Current weatherMobility Eastern Styria with shared taxi SAM

Kompass Map, Hiking Map Nature Park Pöllauer Valley 1:30,000

Find out about maps, hiking brochures and other tour tips at the tourist office. You can also order information material on our website from the comfort of your own home.

Tourism region Eastern Styria

Nature Park Pöllauer Valley office

Schloss 1, 8225 Pöllau

Tel: +43 3335 4210

www.naturpark-poellauertal.at

www.oststeiermark.com

Rother hiking guide "Oststeiermark - Von den Fischbacher Alpen bis in die Thermenregion", 50 tours, Elisabeth Zienitzer & Silvia Sarcletti paperback, ISBN-10, 376334577 available in bookshops