In Stein an der Enns, the selection ranges from circular trails to a stage of the Panorama Trail 100, which is listed as taking 5.5 hours. The nativity scene exhibition and the Queen of the Rosary Church also add cultural highlights. When planning a stay, you can first decide whether to focus on a longer hike, a circular trail or a cultural attraction.
Circular Trails and Winter Hike
The Gumpeneck Geological Trail is a circular trail at the foot of the Gumpeneck, with 24 stops. The Stein/Enns–Tunzendorf winter hike starts in Stein an der Enns, passes through the district of Gelsenberg and Tunzendorf, and returns to Stein. These are two different circular routes: one at the foot of the Gumpeneck, and another hike connecting several places.
A short section of the winter hike is not groomed and is somewhat steep. An alternative route via the Stein/Enns tennis courts to Dörfl is possible. As winter conditions can vary, it is a good idea to check conditions before setting out. The described detour provides a specific alternative for planning this section.
Stage and Travel by Train
A southern stage of the Panorama Trail 100 runs from Ă–blarn via Gatschberg and Stein an der Enns to Michaelerberg. It is rated easy and is listed as taking 5.5 hours. This estimated time helps you plan the stage as a longer block of hiking. The Panorama Trail 100 also passes through Stein an der Enns; the described stage is one specific way to identify a section of the trail.
For the “Insider Tip Kochofen” hike, you can travel by R9 trains to Stein an der Enns; trains depart from Pruggern for the return journey. This means the outward and return journeys start from different places. Check the R9 timetable before your hike to make sure both train journeys fit your plans.
More Trails and Culture
The “Bike & Hike Breitlahnhütte–Putzentalalm” route leads from Stein an der Enns into the Kleines Sölktal. It runs mostly on asphalt roads, with only a short gravel section at the end. This change in surface is a specific feature to consider when choosing and planning your outing.
The Bräualm Water Trail is an easy hike along the Bräualmbach stream to the Bräualm. Access begins in the center of Stein an der Enns: there, turn toward St. Nikolai and follow the road all the way there. As local road conditions can change, check access before your visit.
The Stein an der Enns nativity scene exhibition presents more than 80 nativity scenes and also includes a large moving nativity scene. The Queen of the Rosary Church was built between 1949 and 1952. Together, the exhibition and church offer a cultural counterpoint to the different types of hikes, so a stay does not have to focus exclusively on tours.
Hotels and Planning Your Day
When looking for a hotel in Stein an der Enns, it helps to first decide on the rhythm of your day. The winter hike is a loop that returns to Stein; the southern stage of the Panorama Trail ends at Michaelerberg and is listed as taking 5.5 hours. You can take these different routes and estimated times into account when planning your overnight stays, without combining the two hikes into a single route.
Discover more destinations: Tipschern, Pichl, Sankt Nikolai Im Sölktal, Johnsbach, Zlem, Ramsau Am Dachstein, Oppenberg, Puchen
For the overview of the wider area: Liezen.
