Weng Im Gesäuse combines the striking landscape along the Enns with alpine pasture trails and historic architecture. When planning a stay, it is worth deciding on your preferred focus first: the river and cycle path, seasonal flowers and mountain hikes, or the chapel and a place to stop for refreshments. The destinations described differ in their starting points, time required and seasons. This makes it possible to adapt your day’s plans to the particular route and Lahnalm’s opening hours.
The Enns Landscape and the Entrance to the Gesäuse
West of Weng, downstream from the Laufferbauern Bridge, begins the approximately 1,700-metre-long entrance to the Gesäuse, with the Enns river cataracts. This area was declared a natural monument on January 26, 1988. Near Weng Im Gesäuse, the Enns plunges over a 50-metre-high waterfall for a stretch of about one kilometre.
At the entrance to the Gesäuse, experienced water sports enthusiasts can kayak on the Enns. Before taking part, check the applicable access rules and safety requirements. The Enns Cycle Path also has a direct connection to the area: its fourth stage reaches the entrance to the Gesäuse at Weng. The cycle path runs to just before Weng; from there, it is possible to continue through Gesäuse National Park. When choosing a route, take current trail directions and traffic conditions into account.
Alpine Pastures and Mountain Destinations
The Grabnerstein is known as the “most beautiful flower mountain in Styria.” The best time to see it in full bloom is between May and July; flowering times can vary depending on the weather. A route from Weng/Kletzenberg leads to the Grabneralm via Bretterlechnerboden and Trail 628. The stated walking time is about 1.5 hours; trail conditions and access may change. The Grabneralm offers an outstanding panoramic view of the Gesäuse. The Grabnerstein Alpine Pasture Educational Trail uses themed information boards to introduce various aspects of alpine pasture life, including alpine livestock farming and wildlife.
The Admonter Haus is accessible only on foot. From there, the Grabnerstein can be reached in one hour via the Jungfern via ferrata; this is an approximate time, and via ferrata conditions may vary. A shorter time is given for the Admonter Warte: at an elevation of 1,804 metres, it can be reached from the Admonter Haus in 15 minutes. The Hexensteig route from the Admonter Haus to the Hexenturm, also known as the Bärenkarmauer, has a stated walking time of 2.5 hours. The Hexenturm stands at 2,172 metres; the via ferrata is rated difficulty A/B. Check the rating, walking time and conditions before climbing.
Cultural History and Breakfast at the Alpine Pasture
The Gothic Sebastian Chapel in Weng was built in 1486 by the abbey’s master builder, Niklas Velbacher. It became a popular pilgrimage site. The Catholic parish church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, together with its cemetery and rectory, is protected as a historic monument by decree; the corresponding register entry is dated June 30, 2025.
At the Lahnalm on the Buchau near Weng, visitors can enjoy homemade Schermerhof specialities, including Brettljause (a platter of cold cuts and other local foods), Krapfen, cider and various schnapps. During the opening season, an alpine breakfast is served every Sunday from 09:00 to 10:30. As the offering is seasonal, check which season is currently in effect before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Geiergraben, Gstatterboden, Öblarn, Municipality of Lassing near Selzthal, Altaussee, Gössenberg, Schildlehen, Weißenbach an der Enns.
Return to the higher-level travel overview: Liezen.
