Almenland Rote Wand / Nechnitz / Nature Park

Panoramic view of the Rote Wand in the Almenland Nature Park.

The Nechnitz High Plateau lies between Tyrnau and Fladnitz, placing it exactly between the Schöckel in the south and the Rote Wand in the north. On clear days, both seem close enough to touch! Along the Nechnitz, two Almenland invite you to stop for a bite to eat, and it also serves as the starting point for many hikes. But the Nechnitz is also particularly well-suited for an easy stroll.

The name Nechnitz is said to derive from a small plant known as “nailwort.” The earliest documented mention of the name dates back to 1240 (No(e)ctenz, Nochtenz). With several variations—including Nachtnitz in 1456—the name is derived from the Slavic word *nohtnica* (nailwort). The Nechnitz plateau is approximately 1 km wide and tapers into the “Haseben” (Hausebner). The word “Haseben” comes from “hasen” = “even.” There is also the district of Schöngrund, which was cleared only later. All these areas formerly belonged to different lordships. Schöngrund belonged to the Semriach lordship, the district of Nechnitz belonged to Stubenberg, and the Haseben and Frankenhofstatt—which consisted of four farms—belonged to the Stubegg administrative district.

The Red Wall

The Rote Wand is a southeast-facing rocky escarpment; the red color of the rock comes from inclusions of red limestone and is best admired in the morning sun. It’s not uncommon to encounter ibex here, for which the Rote Wand is widely known. In the spring, the rock faces are covered with a veritable sea of Petergstamm, a rare primrose species that is strictly protected. The Rote Wand is one of the highlights for hikers in the Graz Mountains and can be explored via various trails. There’s even a mountain bike trail, the Drachentour, circles the Rote Wand.

The Wooden Sculpture Trail

Wood carving with a chainsaw is the hobby of Erich Haider-Harrer, who also works as a restaurateur and farmer on the Nechnitz, the high plateau in the municipality of Fladnitz an der Teichalm. With his wooden figures—mainly local forest animals—he has now created a wonderful trail leading up from the Nechnitz almost to the summit of the Gschaid Nock.

The trail starts right at the Haider, the alpine farmer. More than 45 different wooden figures, benches, an energy fountain, and informational signs line the 1.5-kilometer trail up to the summit.

To the Wooden Sculpture Trail