After a snack at the
Florlwirt, you start off exhilarated from the car park of the inn on the hiking trail S1, the Große St. Stefan Rundweg. Immediately after the start, the trail runs under the motorway bridge with its massive supporting pillars, under which you slip. Then you will quickly realise that you are in the heart of Schilcherland, because the hiking trail runs across a typical vineyard. Just as the old vines pass on the energy from the soil to the vines, you too can feel the energy of this wonderful region and take it with you into your everyday life.
The entire tour is 6.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours until you reach the starting point. At the highest point of the tour, after about two kilometres, you are at 600 metres above sea level.
After a while you will reach the small settlement of Assingberg, a district of St. Stefan ob Stainz. From here, the trail climbs a little steeper through a forest to Hochstraßen. Enjoy the rustling of the leaves in spring or when the leaves crackle under your hiking boots in autumn. This way, you can climb the ascent with enthusiasm and verve.
Between Hochstraßen and Windhagen, it pays to have binoculars and a camera at hand. You won't be able to stop marvelling on this section. From here you have a magnificent view over the Kainach valley, the mountains of Graz and the Gleinalm. Stop for a moment and soak up the magic of the distant view.
After Windhagen, you pass under the motorway bridge once more and stroll through forest, flowering meadows and vineyards until you meet the S5 hiking trail. This section, which you have just covered, is characterised by the beauty of the West Styrian Schilcher region, especially but not only in autumn. Here you will certainly decide to return soon to St. Stefan ob Stainz.
Turn right at the S5 marker and stroll leisurely and with anticipation of the well-deserved glass of Schilcher along the Schilcher Wine Road, via the district of Assing back to the Florlwirt in Gundersdorf.
Take the opportunity to end the day in one of the cosy wine taverns on the Schilcher Wine Road, you won't regret it. The famous wine enchants with its fine acidity and its scent of fresh strawberries.