A one-of-a-kind hiking trail

“From Glacier to Wine“

The tour from the eternal ice of the Dachstein to Styria's wine region makes every outdoor lover’s heart beat faster. Impressive mountains, unspoilt nature reserves, venerable culture, heavenly spas and regional delicacies: Discover all of this and more along the northern and southern route of the new long-distance hiking trail!

Long-distance hiking in Styria

From Glacier to Wine – on two routes

As they say, the journey is the reward. This is especially true for the picturesque “From Glacier to Wine” hiking trail. The surrounding landscapes are among the most varied stretches of nature in Europe. What’s more, plenty of culinary and cultural highlights are waiting along the way.

What is the hiking route "From glacier to wine"?

It starts at the Dachstein glacier and thus at the foot of the majestic Dachstein with its 2,995 meters.
It offers scenic diversity in a density that is unparalleled anywhere in Europe.
It represents the hiking offer of Styria in its entire exciting range.
It offers multifaceted opportunities to discover Styria, its people and culture.
It leads through different areas with their huts in the alpine north and wine taverns in the lovely south - so every nature enthusiast finds his way on partial sections with stages of 3-8 days.
It is marked with thousands of stickers on the existing signage of the alpine associations, and thus shows the way across Styria.

The first stage leads through the eternal ice to the Guttenberghaus above Ramsau am Dachstein. Here, the trail splits in the direction of Weinland and long-distance hikers can choose between the northern route, which leads to Bad Radkersburg in the Thermen- & Vulkanland over 35 days. And the southern route, which ends after 25 daily stages in Leibnitz in the Nature Park Südsteiermark.

Varied hiking experiences in Styria

A trail of culinary delights

Styria boasts great variety – both in its landscapes and in its culinary delights. Styria is a paradise for food and nature lovers alike, especially along the “From Glacier to Wine” hiking trail. Whether it’s at the numerous mountain huts or wine taverns along the northern or southern route or at one of the many “Kulinarium Steiermark” partners: The trail is dotted with opportunities to sample regional specialities.

Good to know: Of course, you can also pick individual stages of both routes. The well-developed public transport network of trains and buses plus numerous hiking shuttle busses and taxis make it easy to get to and from almost any access point along the way.

About 1,000 kilometres of hiking happiness: Tour variations such as an alpine stage in the Gesäuse region or the use of cable cars give you access to a total of 995 kilometres of hiking trails.

Quick facts

The northern and southern routes at a glance

The northern route

starts at: Dachstein
ends at: Bad Radkersburg
distance: 524 km
stages: 35

The southern route

starts at: Dachstein
ends at: Leibnitz
distance: 370 km
stages: 25

The northern route

From the snow-capped mountains of the Dachstein and the Rax to the gentle hills of the wine region with its marvellous orchards and spas. The 35 day stages of the northern route bring you up close to Styria’s impressive natural contrasts of rugged peaks, shady forests, alpine vastness and rustic charm.

In the alpine north, you can find the craggy limestone mountains between the Dachstein, the Gesäuse region, the Hochschwab and the Rax. In the green mountains of the Fischbach Alps, Upper Styria’s imposing mountain world meets the pleasurable, charming orchards of Eastern Styria. What’s more, the route also takes you past Almenland Nature Park, Europe’s largest connected low alpine pasture area, and Pöllauer Tal Nature Park.

The Styrian Spa Country boasts six inviting spas between Bad Waltersdorf, Bad Blumau and Bad Radkersburg. In this area, you can also find fascinating manufactories like those of Alois Gölles or Josef Zotter as well as cultural highlights such as Riegersburg castle.

By the way: If you would like to find out more about the region Hochsteiermark, we recommend embarking on the “BergZeitReise”, encompassing stages between Hochschwab and Fischbach Alps along the northern route.

More about the northern route

All tour variants at a glance

STAGES OF THE NORTHERN ROUTE

The southern route

The 25 day stages of the southern route take you from the Dachstein to the Schladming Tauern and the mountaineering village of Krakau. Along the way, you will visit the historic city of Murau and Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park. Your long-distance hiking experience is topped off by the culinary delights found in the Schilcherland region and Southern Styria Nature Park.

The snowy peaks of the Dachstein mountain range give way to the crystal-clear mountain lakes, lush green alpine pastures and Ice Age scree fields of the Schladminger Tauern. In addition to the Old Town of Murau, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Lambrecht and Zirbitzkogel scenic mountain are well worth a visit in Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park.

Next up is the Zirbenland region with Obdach village and the Packalpe and Koralpe, a long mountain ridge that runs along the border between the provinces of Styria and Carinthia and leads up to the wine region. From there, the landscape is dotted with picturesque vineyards and rustic wine taverns that invite long-distance hikers to take a break on their way through the Schilcherland region and onwards to Leibnitz and Southern Styria Nature Park.

More about the southern route

All tour variants at a glance

STAGES OF THE souTHERN ROUTE

Perfectly matched offers

HOLIDAY ENJOYMENT FROM GLACIER TO WINE

Travel planning is the be-all and end-all, but it also takes up valuable time. Unless you opt for one of the ready-made vacation packages along the northern and southern route. In Styria, your heart's desires are fulfilled.

from 495€

4 nights

From Glacier to Wine - Schladming-Dachstein

Schladming-Dachstein

Breakfast buffet
Dachstein cable car ride
Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard

More information

from 335€

3 nights

From Glacier to Wine - Gesäuse

Gesäuse

Cabin hike
Alpine breakfast
Hiking package

More information

Hotel tipps along the northern and southern route

When an eventful day of hiking on the From Glacier to Wine hiking route comes to an end, Styrian hospitality simply does you good. The following accommodations are located directly on the two routes, are members of the vacation specialists "Wanderhotels Steiermark" and therefore specialize in the needs of hikers.