This circular hike along the hiking trail marked S1 starts in the centre of the wine-growing village of St. Stefan. After you have sufficiently fortified yourself in one of the businesses in the village and also packed a snack for a romantic break in the vineyards, you start on the road in the direction of Gundersdorf.
At the Hecher car dealership, turn off in the direction of Lestein. After a few metres, leave the road and turn onto a forest path. Now you have arrived in the wonderful nature around St. Stefan.
Enjoy the murmur of the Lemsitzbach stream and stroll leisurely along the path that runs alongside the stream. Inspired by the pleasant sound along the stream, your mouth already starts to water when you think of the legendary Gundersdorf Genussmeile and the delicacies that await you there.
When you reach the bridge, turn onto the right-hand road. Now walk at a brisk pace up the Zachbach stream to the Hubertus Chapel. As the name suggests, this is a chapel for the hunters of the region. It is beautifully restored and a perfect place for a short rest and a snack.
After you've had your fill, it pays to leave the path for a moment and visit the Celtic Tree Circle, 200 metres away. Here, everyone finds the tree associated with their date of birth. It is known from tradition, especially from Celtic times, that each of these trees can be assigned birth dates. The Celts lived in close connection with nature and in accordance with the cycle of the seasons. The druids knew and revered the trees that offered them protection. Their knowledge was well founded. The connection between date of birth, to which a certain tree is assigned, and character is also based on ancient Celtic lore. Enjoy the moment and leave everyday life behind you for a moment. Here you can gather energy for your further tasks and take the strength with you into your everyday life.
Back at the chapel, turn right over a steep section of the path until you reach the main road and the Gundersdorf volunteer fire brigade there. From here you can devote yourself to enjoyment. You have arrived at the Genussmeile with its numerous wine taverns and restaurants. Taste the delicacies of the region. The refreshing Schilcher gives you new strength, and a beetle bean salad with kernel oil is a speciality that will remain unforgotten. Take some of the green gold of Styria or a bottle of wine home with you.
With renewed strength, you hike on and come to another chapel. Here you have the option of taking a shortcut, should it have been too cosy in the Buschenschank and it has become a little late. You save yourself an hour and 15 minutes. Just continue straight on via Assing.
But if you want the full experience of the hike, turn left here. Walk up to Assingberg via the vineyard. Especially in autumn, the vineyard offers you an unforgettable play of colours. You should take a break here and let nature take its effect on you.
Once you have reached the top, continue your hike through a forest to Hochstraßen and then on to Windhagen. On the way, you will realise that the ascent over the vineyard was worth it, because you have a wonderful view over the Kainach valley, the Gleinalm and the Graz mountains. Take out your mobile phone or camera and capture this view for your hiking photo album to remember it often.
After leaving Windhagen, the trail runs under the motorway bridge with its huge supporting pillars through flowering meadows and fields until you meet the trail marker S5. This is where the descent into the Zirknitzgraben begins. The ditch is characterised by its little-used natural landscape. Try to slow down and enjoy the authentic surroundings.
The trail climbs one last time through a forest to the so-called Puxhof, which is named after a former noble family. The last part of the trail runs along meadow paths down to St. Stefan.
Conclude your culinary tour in a dignified manner: Enjoy a glass of wine or a juice from the region. You can be proud of yourself - a hopefully successful hiking day is drawing to a close.