At Hohenauer Ochsenhalt, an expansive pasture, a diverse variety of native orchids and a named hiking trail come together: Trail No. 706 leads to the pasture. Other excursion destinations also make their mark – from the steep ascent of the Styrian Mariazell Trail to the Renaissance style of a wayside shrine and the Maria Kleinheilbrunn Chapel. A stay in Hohenau an der Raab therefore offers a choice between nature and trails, as well as local cultural history.

Ochsenhalt: Pasture and Orchids

Hohenauer Ochsenhalt is a 125-hectare pasture at the foot of the Sommeralm. Its diverse native orchid flora includes lady’s slipper, twayblade, woodland hyacinth, red and yellow orchids, and bird’s-nest orchid. The flowering season varies throughout the year. If orchids are an important reason for your trip, take this seasonal variation into account when planning. Hiking Trail No. 706 leads to the pasture. This puts a specific landscape destination and a clearly named trail at the heart of the nature theme.

Compare Hiking Trails by Their Destinations

The destination is a helpful point of comparison when choosing a trail. Hiking Trail No. 706 leads to Ochsenhalt. The Styrian Mariazell Trail follows the Raab through Passail to Hohenau/Raab, then climbs steeply to Ochsenhalt and continues to the Sommeralm. The steep ascent and continuation to the Sommeralm are part of the route described. The Raabursprung Loop offers a different focus: it is a family-themed trail in the Almenland Nature Park near Passail, leading from the “Waldmühle” at the end of the valley to the source of the Raab. “Pozilo” and “Sprungingerl” accompany visitors along the themed trail. When deciding between these hiking options, you can use the destinations as a guide: Ochsenhalt, Sommeralm or the source of the Raab.

Wayside Shrine and Chapel

The Meierhof wayside shrine at Hausbauer is about 1 km from the “Hausbauer” farmstead. The stone Renaissance shrine has a tabernacle niche and a Pietà. At Maria Kleinheilbrunn, the present-day chapel was built by benefactors in 1824 and features a small tower. The water from the spring at Maria Kleinheilbrunn is traditionally believed to have healing properties for eye ailments. The two sites have distinct features: the wayside shrine is notable for its architecture and Pietà, while Maria Kleinheilbrunn is associated with the chapel’s history and the traditional belief about the spring.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Hohenau an der Raab, it is best to first decide which themes you want your trip to focus on. Ochsenhalt and its orchids offer a nature and hiking focus; the wayside shrine and chapel add local architectural and religious history to the mix. You can also compare trail destinations when planning excursions: Ochsenhalt, Sommeralm or the source of the Raab.

Discover more destinations: Brand, Ratten, Oberrettenbach, Puch bei Weiz, Aschau, Breitenau, Stenzengreith, Gschaid bei Birkfeld.

Go to the main travel overview: Weiz.