The cross-country skiing trail in St. Wolfgang-Kienberg is open when weather conditions are suitable. It is therefore a weather-dependent option for a stay focused on cross-country skiing; check conditions before making plans. Other ideas for your trip include the church history in Mönchegg, farm life in Katschwald, and specific hiking and winter activities at the locations mentioned.
Church history in Mönchegg
The Church of St. Wolfgang in Mönchegg was first mentioned in official records in 1612 as a subsidiary church of Obdach; since 1787, St. Wolfgang has been its own parish. The church’s choir is late Gothic, but its exact construction date is unknown. The church was extended in the Baroque style in the 17th century. In the 18th century, stucco decoration was added to the flat square vault, along with the curved west gallery.
Four small votive chapels stand by the cemetery fence. They are associated with prayers for blessings on the weather and for fertility. The building history thus offers several chronological points of reference: from the early mention in official records and the late-Gothic classification of the choir to the Baroque additions and the small chapels by the fence.
Farm life and products at the Rieser farm
Families can take part in farm life at the Rieser farm at Katschwald 22. Activities include visiting the stable, petting animals and fishing; visitors also learn about the life of a mountain farming family. Those interested in agriculture can explore it in several ways: through farm activities, animal breeding and the products on offer.
The Rieser farm breeds Murboden cattle, Turopolje pigs and Carinthian Rock sheep. Products include smoked meats, bacon, various sausages, as well as rainbow trout and char from the farm ponds. Organic fresh meat is sold directly from the farm. The products and breeding activities give a visit to the farm a distinctive agricultural focus.
Self-catering mountain huts and hiking
The Rieser farm rents out the Ödenhübl and Grosserhütte mountain huts in Katschwald. The farm’s self-catering huts are located at an altitude of 1,400 m and offer direct views of the Zirbitzkogel. During your stay, hiking opportunities are available in the Seetaler Alps.
For a hike starting in Katschwald, the Kreiskogel–Naturfreundehaus Winterleiten circular route is listed as 15.9 km long, with 780 m of ascent and 770 m of descent; it is rated difficult. The summit of Kreiskogel, at 2,306 m, is named as a highlight of this route. These details clearly distinguish this hike from the general hiking opportunities in the Seetaler Alps: the focus here is on a specific route and its elevation gain and loss.
Winter activities
The Rieseralm family ski area in Obdach offers skiing, sledding, winter hiking and snowshoeing. It is also a starting point for ski tours in the Seetaler Alps. For uphill sledding, a tow system allows participants to travel uphill comfortably. Seasonal operating arrangements may change, so check the latest information before planning. By contrast, the trail in St. Wolfgang-Kienberg is explicitly dependent on suitable weather conditions.
Another cultural attraction
Guided tours can be booked at the SchaumĂĽhle on the Granitzenbach trail. This offers a separate option for anyone wishing to include a tour alongside church architecture and farm life.
Discover more destinations: Hohentauern, Sankt Georgen Ob Judenburg, Obdach, Pöls, Pusterwald, Judenburg, Oberkurzheim, Sankt Anna Am Lavantegg
Go to the main travel overview: Judenburg.
