Leutschach an der Weinstraße combines experiences in nature with themes relating to wine and hops. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different options: the Heiligengeist Gorge climbs steadily past waterfalls, while the Leutschach Circular Trail runs almost entirely along paved roads and passes hop fields on its way to Leutschach Brewery. Viewpoints and striking sculptures also add their own distinctive touches.

Gorge hike or village loop?

The Heiligengeist Gorge leads from the Spitzmühle in Schloßberg to Sv. Duh na Ostrem Vrhu in Slovenia. The hike climbs steadily over uneven ground and past small and large waterfalls. The gorge is characterised by abundant vegetation and biodiversity. Its cross-border route and natural setting distinguish this tour from the short village loop of the Leutschach Circular Trail.

The short village loop can start at the car park by the town hall. The Leutschach Circular Trail runs almost entirely along paved roads and passes hop fields on its way to Leutschach Brewery. The gorge climbs steadily over uneven ground to Sv. Duh na Ostrem Vrhu in Slovenia; the village loop runs almost entirely along paved roads and passes hop fields on its way to Leutschach Brewery. Check locally that the starting point by the town hall is suitable before your tour.

Views and a grape sculpture

From the Eichberg Kreuzbergwarte, the view stretches to the Koralpe and the Speikkogel. The lookout tower stands at an elevation of 633 metres, and reaching the top requires climbing 117 steps. These are clear points to bear in mind when planning: the focus here is on the viewpoint and the climb up the stairs.

A glass grape sculpture stands on the Eorykogel. It can be reached on foot or by bicycle and measures five metres high, four metres wide and almost two metres deep. Stainless steel and coloured fused glass form the sculpture. A symbol of the region’s wine culture and history, it combines striking design with cultural significance. Those interested in the wine tradition can also find exhibits and information about the history of hop growing at the 1st Styrian Hop Museum.

Wine, hops and places to stop

Leutschach an der Weinstraße is the largest wine-growing municipality in Styria. Many wineries and Buschenschank wine taverns lie along the hiking trails; individual businesses and their opening hours may change. The Glanzer Hoftour route winds through vineyards and passes numerous food and drink stops.

Leutschach Brewery has its own special focus: its beer pub serves craft-brewed beers, including unfiltered beer fresh from the tap, to enjoy on site. If stopping for a drink is important to your plans, check the current offerings. The annual wine and food event, Weinkulinarium, takes place in Leutschach in May. Check the specific event dates if you would like to plan your trip around it.

Plan your stay around the reason for your trip

When looking for a hotel in Leutschach, you can start by deciding what you would like your trip to centre on: a hike through the gorge, the short village loop, a viewpoint, wine and hop-related attractions, or an event date. Each of these options offers a different focus. You can then plan your travel dates and activities around what interests you most locally.

Discover more destinations: Gauitsch, Gleinstätten, Gündorf, Sankt Andrä-Höch, Sernau, Vogau, Ratsch An Der Weinstraße, Zieregg.

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