The most beautiful place to start this cycling tour in Graz is surely the Old Town, which is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Here we bid a gentle farewell to the Schlossberg with its striking clock tower, already looking forward to seeing it again soon. Following the Murradweg R2, we first head south along the Mur, the largest river in Styria. Along this route you will also find the Puch Museum Graz, which houses a collection of historic pieces from the legendary Johann Puch. Among them is a safety bicycle from 1889, dating back to the very days when Johann Puch began his career in Graz. It is one of the oldest bicycles still on display in Styria. After just a few kilometres, we pass the Puntigam golf course before crossing to the eastern side via the Gasrohrsteg to join the Mostwärtsradweg R49. This route takes us through the south-eastern districts of Graz, eventually leading us out of the Styrian capital at Raaba on the city’s edge. From here the steadily ascending cycle path brings us straight into the spa town of Lassnitzhöhe, which impresses with its architecture as well as its landscaped parks.
Modernity and tradition meet in Lassnitzhöhe in many different ways, inviting us to linger. During the summer months, spa concerts in the Kurpark fill the air with cheerful sounds, framed by a colourful sea of blossoms and floral decorations. Those particularly interested in the villa landscape can set off on the pleasant Villa Trail. Thanks to its unique location, numerous villas were built here during the Gründerzeit era when spa tourism flourished, providing accommodation and treatments for spa guests. Today, many of these villas house charming guesthouses and holiday apartments. The leaflet for the Villa Trail is available at the Lassnitzhöhe tourist office. Our journey then continues towards Gleisdorf, the gateway to Eastern Styria. Passing through small villages such as Lassnitzthal and Flöcking, we enjoy a relaxed downhill ride and pass the Genussvinothek Hütter before reaching the historic small town of Gleisdorf, where we switch from the Mostwärtsradweg R49 to the Raabtalradweg R11 at the town park.
The town of Gleisdorf has gained a reputation especially in the field of art and culture, thanks to its close collaboration with regional artists and cultural initiatives. The Town Hall Museum is just one of the little treasures well worth a visit. From the main square, the Raabtalradweg R11 continues along Hartberger Strasse towards the outskirts, where we soon turn left, pass under the main road, and reach the traffic-free cycle path that leads us northwards.
At an easy pace, the route takes us through the peaceful villages of Albersdorf and Wollsdorf, heading towards St. Ruprecht an der Raab. Before reaching today’s stage destination, we should not miss the Kernothek of the Steirerkraft company – a small paradise for gourmets and lovers of Styrian products. To get there, we turn left at the end of Wollsdorf and, after a few hundred metres, arrive at the Kernothek on the Steirerkraft premises. Here we can sample the products, shop, and even fill our own pumpkin seed oil freshly from the tank. Returning to the Raabtalradweg R11, we soon pass through an underpass before turning right. The cycle path, with a section newly opened in 2014, takes us directly to St. Ruprecht an der Raab, one of the oldest settlements in Eastern Styria.
The historic town of St. Ruprecht an der Raab is wholeheartedly dedicated to the Käferbohne (scarlet runner bean). The range offered in its numerous restaurants stretches from the classic Käferbohnen salad to Käferbohnen bread rolls and even Käferbohnen ice cream – probably unique in the world. To round off the day, not only do the many cosy restaurants invite us to linger, but also the river and adventure pool – incidentally the oldest river bath in Styria. In such an atmosphere it is easy to plan the next day, the stage to Hartberg.
Tip: Those who wish to truly reward themselves and indulge in style should book a culinary tour through St. Ruprecht an der Raab in advance: six culinary stations in the historic centre of St. Ruprecht an der Raab are waiting to be tasted. It is a leisurely stroll with delicious stopovers – a six-course menu including wine or juice pairings. At each host you are served one course, allowing you to enjoy both the flavours and the gentle pace. A relaxed walk thus becomes a culinary experience.