Sankt Georgen combines a long church history with two hiking trails that take in the village in different ways. The Birkfeld–St. Georgen hike leads from Birkfeld to Sankt Georgen and back; the Koglhof scenic hiking trail also reaches the village and follows the Stations of the Cross to the church. Historical landmarks and specific routes provide points of reference, from the bridge over the Gasenbach to the village centre.
Church and History of Sankt Georgen
At the heart of the village is the Catholic branch church of St. Georgen am Gasenbach. In the monument register of the Federal Monuments Authority, dated June 30, 2025, it is listed as protected under an ordinance. The former cemetery is also protected by ordinance, together with the church. The historical context therefore encompasses both the church and the former cemetery.
The parish of St. Georgen am Gasenbach is documented from 1295. Until 1788, the church in Sankt Georgen was the parish church of Koglhof. The dates refer to different aspects of the history: 1295 is the earliest documented reference to the parish, while 1788 marks the end of the church’s role as parish church for Koglhof. The construction of the church also marked the beginning of the clearing and settlement of the municipality of Koglhof and the upper Feistritz Valley.
The rectory in Sankt Georgen is also part of the village’s history: the first lessons for children in Koglhof were held there. Another tangible testament to the church’s history is the unsigned “Schwarz” organ from the 18th century. Originally installed in the branch church of St. Georgen, it is now in the Koglhof church. Its present location and former installation offer a tangible link between the history of Sankt Georgen and Koglhof.
Two Hiking Trails, Different Points Along the Way
The Birkfeld–St. Georgen hike starts at the former railway station in Birkfeld. From there, it leads to Sankt Georgen and back to Birkfeld. Along the way, the route crosses the Gasenbach via a bridge. There is an opportunity to stop for refreshments at the Gasthaus Grünbichler in Sankt Georgen. Both the starting point and the return point are in Birkfeld; the bridge and the place to stop lie on the way to Sankt Georgen.
The Koglhof scenic hiking trail follows Route No. 15 towards Sankt Georgen and reaches the village, home to the oldest church in the upper Feistritz Valley. The trail then follows the Stations of the Cross downhill to the village centre, the church and the starting point at the summer toboggan run. The route includes several specific landmarks: the stations, the village centre, the church and the starting point.
To choose a route, you can compare their different paths: the Birkfeld–St. Georgen hike includes the former railway station, the return to Birkfeld and the bridge over the Gasenbach. The Koglhof scenic hiking trail focuses on Route No. 15, the Stations of the Cross and the route through the village centre to the church. This lets you find your way using the respective starting, return and intermediate points described.
Discover more destinations: Gschaid bei Birkfeld, Gasen, Aschau, Puch Bei Weiz, Pircha, Pischelsdorf In Der Steiermark, Miesenbach Bei Birkfeld, Auen
For the overview of the wider area: Weiz.
