Winter Circular Trail - Lanzen - Turnau

We start from the main square and head towards the airfield, taking the street between "Weinwelt Wenzel - hereinspaziert" and the tobacconist. Passing the picturesque Hubertusschlössl, we cross the road after about 300 meters and turn into Lanzenweg. About 30 meters straight ahead, there's an entrance to the "Lanzenloipe," a cross-country ski trail that is excellently maintained by the municipality (both classic and skating style).

Passing the Evangelical cemetery with its small, heritage-listed church, the path leads gently uphill to the Lanzen plateau—a large, flat, lance-shaped area, essentially a vast gravel deposit, which forms the end moraine of the former Hochschwab glacier.

About halfway to the airfield (which is, of course, closed in winter, as it is mainly used by glider pilots), we pause at the so-called "Lanzenkreuz." This memorial chapel was built to give thanks for the good harvests from the many fields in the "Lanze" area. The entire region is a protected landscape, and any construction is subject to special regulations.

At the forecourt of the airfield hangars, the little-used but always cleared road comes to an end. Here, you'll find another access point to the cross-country ski trail, as well as a modern weather station that provides daily updates for the website www.turnau.at.

The well-trodden path now leads us northward towards Göriach and the Gasthaus Ägydi, where a break for some refreshments or a warm drink might be tempting! From here, we continue slightly downhill along the cleared sidewalk until we spot the Turnauerhof on the right-hand side of the road. Perhaps a game of bowling could be a fun and active way to round off this rather easy hike?

Now it's just a few more steps up the staircase to the upper parking lot, and we find ourselves back at the main square—where yet another excellent stop awaits: Café Seidl, rightfully awarded the "Golden Coffee Cup." Their specialty creations, such as Hochschwabspitz and Gamseier, are definitely worth a try!

Don't forget your camera – breathtaking panoramic views in all directions! Enjoy a stop at Gasthaus Ägydi in Göriach and/or a round of bowling at Turnauer Hof. To finish off, treat yourself to a delicious cake at Café Seidl or enjoy a snack, lunch, or dinner at Hanswirt, Marktwirt, or Puregger – all restaurants offering highly recommended local cuisine.

By train to Bruck/Mur or Kapfenberg station, then take a bus to Turnau.

• Bus line 171 (Bruck/Mur – Aflenz – Turnau)
• For train and bus schedules, visit www.oebb.at and www.verbundlinie.at

Regional taxi services are also available.

Tourismusverband Hochsteiermark