Tieschen can be explored through specific themes: hiking trails introduce the Canticle of the Sun and the history of viticulture, a nature trail leads to the basalt fissure, and archaeological and ecclesiastical landmarks add to the picture. For your stay, what matters most is what you would like to explore in more depth: a themed hike, geological development, or traces of earlier settlement and architecture.
Trails with Different Themes
The Canticle of the Sun Trail allows hikers to experience praise for creation at eight stations. It is based on the prayer written by Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. The trail thus combines physical activity with a religious theme that runs through its stations. The wine trail focuses on something different: intricately punched copper plaques share information about the history of viticulture up to the present day. Various grape varieties are also described along the trail. If you are choosing between the two trails, the difference in their subject matter is key: one focuses on the Canticle of the Sun, the other on the development of viticulture and grape varieties.
Landscape and Volcanic History
A nature trail leads through vineyards, meadows and forests to the basalt fissure of Tieschen. It follows a vein of hard, dense basalt and shows how molten rock rose to the surface during the late stages of the region’s volcanic history. The fissure was exposed by quarry workers in the last century. The trail thus connects different types of landscape with a specific geological interpretation. For hikers interested not only in the route but also in how the landscape formed, the basalt fissure is a clear thematic highlight.
Traces of Earlier Settlement
At Königsberg is the largest known settlement in Styria from the Late Urnfield period, dated to the 9th or 8th century BC. Around 50 tumuli, or burial mounds, remain in the Größinger Tanner (pine forest) as traces of an extensive burial ground. The two sites offer different perspectives on early history: the settlement is the focus at Königsberg, while the Größinger Tanner is associated with burial customs. Visitors interested in archaeology will therefore find different kinds of traces here, rather than just a single historical theme.
Church Architecture and the Townscape
The parish church of the Holy Trinity, which faces east, stands slightly elevated on a hillside plateau. Together with the two-storey monastery building attached on its north side, it forms an impressive ecclesiastical complex; the bell tower is its visual focal point. The architectural interest therefore lies in how the parts work together: the church and monastery building form an ensemble, with the tower drawing the eye. This offers a different way to explore Tieschen from the trails, whose themes arise from the landscape, viticulture or geology.
Cycling Tours and Refreshments
In Tieschen, cycling tours run along vineyards and orchards. You can choose an activity in a setting shaped by the cultivated landscape; the hiking trails, by contrast, cover themes ranging from the Canticle of the Sun to the basalt fissure. Another option for those who enjoy good food and drink is the Hopfer Buschenschank: guests are served a typical snack made from the establishment’s own produce and can enjoy views across all of Tieschen over a glass of wine. If you plan to stop for refreshments, check in advance whether a visit is currently possible.
After following the TAU Way of the Vineyards, you can cool off at the outdoor pool in Tieschen during the swimming season and then enjoy a snack and a TAU wine at a Buschenschank. This itinerary is tied to the swimming season. If you also plan to stop for refreshments, it is worth checking in advance whether a visit is currently possible.
Discover more destinations: Patzen, Waasen Am Berg, Wetzelsdorf, Neusetz, Burgfeld, Reiting, Halbenrain, Mahrensdorf
To the overview of the wider region: Southeastern Styria.
