The Stenzengreith themed trail passes through forests, pastures and orchards; the building history of Gutenberg Castle and the Loreto Chapel offers a different focus. These two perspectives can help you plan: should the trail’s landscape shape your stay, or would you mainly like to understand the historical building phases? If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Stenzengreith, you can start by weighing up these interests.
Trail route with views and a waterfall
The themed trail runs along the Kleinsemmeringbach stream. At the start of the trail, near the Kreuzwirt in Stenzengreith, a large panoramic information board explains the details. The trail also offers panoramic views over the Weiz area near the Kreuzwirt. The board and the view serve different purposes: one explains the details, while the other opens up the Weiz area as a panorama.
After the Bockhof, the trail reaches a small waterfall; it also continues as far as the village chapel in Breitenfeld. The themed trail was revised and extended in 2017. Forests, pastures and orchards shape the landscape, while the stream and waterfall add another, water-related aspect. This means the trail’s features can be considered not only as individual points of interest, but also as different themes for an outing.
Gutenberg Castle and the Loreto Chapel
Gutenberg Castle was built from 1184 on a rock that projects into the Raabklamm gorge. From 1567, Hans von Stubenberg had the castle extensively remodelled in the Renaissance style. The two dates mark different building phases: 1184 marks the start of construction of the castle, while 1567 marks its later remodelling.
The Loreto Chapel stands above and to the west of Gutenberg Castle, and an avenue connects it to the castle. From 1691, Sigmund von Stubenberg had it built as a symbol of Catholicism. The avenue connecting the two buildings and their different construction dates give their relationship a concrete spatial and historical dimension. Those interested in building history can distinguish the castle’s Renaissance remodelling from the later chapel, built for religious reasons.
Raabklamm and Mühlgraben
In the municipality of Gutenberg, which includes Stenzengreith, the Raabklamm is over 10 kilometres long and offers visitors a hiking experience. The Great Raabklamm has been a nature reserve since 1970 and an EU Natura 2000 protected area since 2006 under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. The two dates mark these two protection statuses: nature reserve status from 1970 and the additional Natura 2000 designation from 2006.
Mühlgraben also has a historical side: until 70 years ago, numerous water-powered stone mills could be heard clattering there. This recollection draws attention to the former use of water power and adds another local connection to the landscape and building history.
Places to shop and trip planning
The Schöckl farm shop run by the Sauseng and Schiegl families is located in 8061 Stenzengreith. At a different address, at the Schöckl cable car’s valley station in St. Radegund, a vending machine sells pasta, eggs, liqueurs, juices and honey. This clearly distinguishes the two locations and their respective offerings.
When looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Stenzengreith, your choice may come down to weighing up your interests: the themed trail combines different landscape impressions with views and a waterfall; the building history can be understood through clearly defined periods and the avenue between the castle and chapel. You can consider which focus you want to shape your stay before looking for suitable accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Fischbach, Sankt Kathrein Am Offenegg, Plenzengreith, Oberrettenbach, Gschaid bei Birkfeld, Gasen, Gersdorf An Der Feistritz, Miesenbach Bei Birkfeld.
Go to the regional travel overview: Weiz.
