“There is an old Arabic saying: ‘The soul travels on foot’ – or perhaps by bicycle! This pilgrimage tour for e-bikers combines training and tradition, physical activity and spirituality.
The pilgrimage ride begins at the main square beneath the “Styrian Steffl” – the Marian pilgrimage church in Straßengel. From there, you follow Rötzerstraße into the center of Gratwein and head towards Stift Rein. At the large Reiner Feld, leave the main road and turn right towards the sports field, cycling through idyllic fields to reach the monastery.
Next comes the mountain stage via Kehr to Pleschwirt. Here, cycling pilgrims are rewarded with a bowl of soup, a hearty roast, and a magnificent view of the Gleinalm mountains before continuing on to St. Pankrazen. The church of St. Pancras, named after an early Christian Roman martyr, is a popular destination for pilgrims – as are the village’s two excellent inns, well-known for their outstanding cuisine.
The regional road takes you approximately 9 km further to Großstübing. The parish church, built between 1786 and 1788, is a typical example of a late Josephine church. After another 9 km through the scenic Stübing Valley, you reach Kleinstübing, where the route joins the Murradweg and follows the river directly to the impressive Austrian Open-Air Museum in Stübing.
To finish, the loop leads through Gratkorn and the church district, before returning to Judendorf-Straßengel via the new cycle bridge.
What the weather will be like
Gratwein-Straßengel (390m)
Partly sunny in the morning, gradually becoming cloudy in the afternoon.
Overcast throughout the day and frequent, but light rain.