Historical review: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PETER ROSEGGER
Peter Rosegger already raved about the hike up to the Ringkogel. However, he was not yet allowed to enjoy the view from the Ringwarte. The lookout post was not built until 1906. Peter Rosegger, however, already appreciated the journey by train. This was opened in 1891, three days later he arrived. In his essay "The new cosmopolitan city of Hartberg" he raved in the highest tones about the "little country town" that was opening up to modern times. The first municipal swimming pool and a bathing establishment already existed near the town pond, furnished in a contemporary manner as a warm bath with showers above the tubs.
START
From the main square in Hartberg (1), 359 m, we walk along Preßlgasse to the crossroads. Here we see the signposts with the inscription "Ringwarte" and we go to the left. After about 500 meters we go right uphill parallel to the road to the Brühle entrance (2), 431 m. From now on we go uphill a bit steeper along the Brühlbach, always following the hiking trail 746. After the forest section we come to meadow areas and cross roads to continue on the well-marked paths, enjoying the view of Hartberg again and again. A beautiful section leads us along the artificially created watercourse, until we then reach the parking lot Spielstätte Ring (3), 692 m, via a forest road. Various information boards can be seen along the gravel road, which leads in serpentines uphill to the Ringkogel (4), 789 m, and to the lookout point. The entrance to the return path is marked by signposts "Hartberg Zentrum". Through the forest downhill leads a clearly recognizable, much used path. Arrived at an asphalt road, we keep to the right and follow it to the bus stop Ring/GH Schreiner, where we hike left on a gravel road across meadows and farmland comfortably downhill. Having arrived again at an asphalt road, we now turn left and after a few meters we reach the Buschenschank Postl (5), 512m. At the parking lot you can see the entrance to the hiking trail, which now leads directly down through the vineyards and is clearly recognizable by the red-white-red markings. Continue on paths along meadow and forest areas until we finally reach an asphalt road again and now follow the signs towards the main square.
A little tip: The Ringwarte can be reached from the venue (car park) in about ½ hour via the hiking trail.