Hike: Alpl – Stanglalm – Krieglach

This hike takes us through the heart of the Waldheimat: from Alpl, the home of Peter Rosegger, we head to the Stanglalm, known for its pilgrims' crosses. Passing by the wind turbines, the trail continues over the Wolfsriegel and down to Krieglach.

Our hike starts in the heart of the Waldheimat – at Alpl, with the Forest School as our starting point. The route leads through forested Waldheimat terrain, following forest roads and trails to the Graueck and onward to the Walserkreuz. Here we join the pilgrimage trail 706A, which leads to Mariazell.

Although our hike does not go all the way to the Mariazell region today, we continue to follow trail 706A to the former mountain inn Stanglalm. Along the way, we pass pilgrims' crosses and the wind turbines of the Hochpürschtling wind farm.

After a break at the Leopold Wittmaier-Hütte (open on weekends and public holidays), we continue and take the right-hand turn onto trail 729. This path leads us over the Wolfsriegel to the Postmühle, and through the Freßnitzgraben down to Krieglach town center.

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

Best season

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

The tour in numbers

medium

Level of difficulty

17,6 km

Route

7:15 h

Time

594 hm

Uphill

957 hm

Downhill

1484 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

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More information

Take the S6 Semmering expressway, exit at Krieglach. At the roundabout, take the exit toward Alpl. Follow the L72 to Alpl and turn right at the signpost to the Forest School (Waldschule).

Our hike begins at the parking area near Rosegger’s Forest School in Alpl. We follow trail 731 / 02, which runs along forest roads for the first few kilometers and passes the impressive Erlösungskapelle (Chapel of Redemption) at the Auenhof.

Further along the trail, near the Granegg, we can spot the Granegg hunting lodge on the left. From here, the path gently ascends to the Walserkreuz. At the Walserkreuz junction, we turn right toward Bäreneben. This section of the trail takes us through mostly level terrain, making for a pleasant walk.

At the site of the former Stanglalm mountain inn, we are greeted by the first pilgrims’ crosses. Just 20 more meters in elevation, and we reach the Stanglalpe.

The descent to Krieglach follows trail 729, which leads over the Wolfsriegel and ends at the Postmühle in the Freßnitzgraben. From there, we follow the Gölkweg, passing the picturesque Gölkkapelle, until we reach Grazer Straße in the center of Krieglach.

Numerous pilgrims’ crosses and WEGArt installations around the Stanglalm bear witness to the region’s vibrant pilgrimage tradition.

Take a break at the Gölkkapelle and enjoy the view from Peter Rosegger’s forest chapel.

For those interested in Peter Rosegger, a visit to his grave at the Krieglach cemetery (near the Gölkkapelle) and the Rosegger Museum on Roseggerstraße is highly recommended.

Take the train to Krieglach, then continue by taxi to Alpl.
Timetable information is available at www.verbundlinie.at or www.oebb.at

Taxi services in Krieglach:
Sigi's Taxi: +43 3855 2481
Taxi Allmer: +43 3855 2213

Free parking is available near the Forest School and at the 'Aufgang Geburtshaus' parking area.

Tourist Office Hochsteiermark