From Stiwoll to the pilgrimage site of St Pankrazen and back

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This hike is a pilgrimage for the body and the mind.

Along the West Styrian Way of St James you can enjoy a glorious view of the alpine pasture region around Koralpe and Gleinalm.

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

12,8 km

Route

4:00 h

Time

395 hm

Uphill

395 hm

Downhill

768 m

Highest point

Map & downloads

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More information

By car from Graz via Hitzendorf or St Oswald near Plankenwarth to Stiwoll.

From the church square in Stiwoll the route leads westwards along the state road in the direction of Gschnaidt / St Pankrazen to the Stiwollgraben. Here, you take the right fork after the bridge and follow the markings past the Spiers chapel into the idyllic pilgrimage place of St Pankrazen situated on a hillside ridge in the former municipality of Gschnaidt. As refreshment points the two pleasant inns provide great home cooking for the body, while the church of St Pancras provides peace of mind.

Follow trail no. 548 southwards to Wolf am Egg, move on along trail no. 542 and enjoy the breathtaking view until you reach the Moritzkreuz cross. Then turn left and march along trail no. 20 past the Lourdes grotto and back to Stiwoll.

The church dedicated to the Early Christian Roman martyr of St Pancras is a favourite destination for pilgrims. The excellent cuisine of the two village innkeepers has long been a tip for foodies, which is why we recommend you book a table, especially at weekends.

Hikers can easily arrive without a car by using bus, train, or GUSTMobil minivan services.

GUSTmobil minivan stop nearby: 1709

Rides can be booked a minimum of 60 minutes before desired departures by telephone (0123 500 44 11), or via Internet (www.ISTmobil.at), using the app. (business hours: Monday – Saturday: 6am – 12 midnight, Sundays & public holidays: 6am – 10pm)

There are plenty of parking options in the centre of Stiwoll.

Gschnaidt has a population of 341. Since 2015 the former township has been assimilated into Gratwein–Strassengel. Gschnaidt is difficult to access by public transport.

The Late Romanesque church in Stiwoll is well worth a visit. Among its treasures are the Barbara bell, one of the oldest bells in Styria, the fresco of St Christopher on the north side, the baptismal font, and the skeleton placed lower in front of the altar, which probably belonged to the founder of the first chapel.