From Rein Abbey to the “Styrian St Stephen’s Cathedral”

Pilgrimage church of Maria Strassengel

Starting at Rein Abbey, walk along the stone wall to the large parking area and go right up the road towards the Reiner Teiche ponds. At the crossroads to the Josefsheim (Sisters of the Holy Cross Convent) follow trail no. 15 in an easterly direction over the Kalvarienberg near Gratwein (“Kreuzweg” sign). The trail leads you downhill to the road and then right in the direction of Bad Weihermühle (where you might want to take a dip). At the Weihermühle car park, turn right over the bridge and go along the pavement to the road sign for Gratwein. After about 50 m, turn right up the hill and follow trail no. 12 in the direction of the Lindenkreuz cross. Asphalt roads alternate with forest trails and gravel paths. On the way, you’ll find several benches inviting you to take a break. Signs direct you towards Plankenwarth Castle. After about 90 minutes of walking and a long passage through a beautiful beech forest, you’ll get to the intersection with the municipal road. Turn left and follow trail no. 14 along the paved road downhill to Hundsdorf/Strassengel. Your goal is visible: the pilgrimage church of Maria Strassengel towers majestically on the Kirchberg. In Strassengel simply follow the signs to the church. After a short, steep climb up the Kirchberg, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view from the beautiful pilgrimage church. A steep path to the left of the cemetery will lead you straight down to Judendorf-Strassengel railway station.

Pilgrims with energy to spare can march on along the pilgrimage trail from the pilgrimage church to the ruins of Gösting Castle. The two-hour hike towards Graz goes along trail no. 1 over the Frauenkogel and the Steinkogel saddle and past the St Anna fountain, and ends at the ruins. This hike is topographically varied and will reward you with a magnificent view of the Gratwein/Gratkorn and Graz basins.