Our hike begins in Gösting. At the Schlossplatz, which can be reached by public bus line 40, the Ruinenweg 1/563 starts steeply. As the altitude increases, so does the splendor of the view: soon you can see beyond the outskirts of the city and enjoy a fabulous panorama from the Jungfernsprung. According to legend, Anna von Gösting jumped to her death from the Jungfernsprung in 1260 after her lover fell in a duel. On fine days, the strikingly towering rocky spur reveals a distant view of the surrounding mountains of Graz.
The route continues along the Plankenwarth High Trail 563, which connects Gösting Castle Square with Plankenwarth Castle. The eastern section of the high-altitude trail runs parallel to trail 1 as far as the Steinkogel and leads from the Gösting castle ruins on predominantly level terrain to the Annenbründl (580 m above sea level). From here, the high trail winds its way through the forest. At Steinkogel turn right onto trail 1 and follow it to Judendorf-Straßengel.
How about a detour to the Goldhannwarte via trail 1b? Unfortunately, only remains of this lookout tower on the Frauenkogel (683 m) exist today. Nevertheless, the lookout is recommended as a stopover for a short rest before returning on trail 1.
Now it is not far to the pilgrimage church Maria Straßengel. Here we recommend a visit to the church and a rest in one of the numerous refreshment stops.
From the church, take trail 1 to the forest hermitage and continue to Raach. Here trail 1a branches off to the right. It leads back to Gösting via a final mountain climb and the ruins. Trail 1, on the other hand, runs leisurely along the valley floor. Alternatively, it is possible to return to Graz from Judendorf-Straßengel by regional bus or suburban train.
If you prefer to hike back on the Höhenweg 563, first head for trail 30 at the cemetery parking lot and up to the Bilderbuche. At the top you meet trail 563 and keep left to return to the starting point via the castle ruins.