Almenland Mariazellerweg / Long-Distance Hiking Trail / Pilgrimage

Difficult | 226.7 km | approx. 80 hours | 7,768 hm

The Styrian Mariazell Trail (Long-Distance Hiking Trail 06) is one of Austria’s best-known pilgrimage routes. On its way from Soboth to Mariazell, it also passes through the heart of the Almenland Nature Park Almenland taking in scenic alpine pastures, historic pilgrimage sites, and impressive natural landscapes.

The Styrian Mariazeller Trail and Its Hiking Stages

The "Styrian Mariazell Trail" is the quintessential pilgrimage route. This trail splits at the Schanzsattel near Fischbach and offers two different routes to Mariazell.

The Mariazeller Trail (Long-Distance Hiking Trail 06) reaches the Almenland near Arzberg Almenland continues along the Raab River, passing through Passail to Hohenau/Raab. From there, the trail climbs steeply up to the “Ochsenhalt” and continues on to the Sommeralm. Passing the wind turbine, the trail leads out to Strassegg. Here, a visit to the legendary pilgrim inn “Strosseggwirt” is a must. Just above the inn is a veritable “cross meadow”: crosses that pilgrim groups have erected as memorials! Heading toward Schanzsattel, the trail now leads Almenland of the Almenland once again.

All the details about the hike

About the Stages

Stage	Route	Length	Walking time	Increase	Relegation
1	Soboth → Eibiswald	18.3 km	6:00 hours	544 hm	1,221 hm
2	Eibiswald → Deutschlandsberg	25 km	7.5 hours	889 meters of elevation gain	890 meters of elevation gain
3	Deutschlandsberg → Stainz	16.2 km	5:00 hours	375 hm	397 hm
4	Stainz → Söding	15,4 km	4:30 hours	224 hm	215 hm
5	Söding → Graz	25.9 km	6:30 hours	636 hm	597 hm
6	Graz → Schöckl	19.6 km	7:00 hours	1,231 hm	200 hm
7	Schöckl → Sommeralm	26 km	7.5 hours	997 hm	1,023 hm
8	Sommeralm → Schanz	20.2 km	6:00 hours	580 hm	812 hm
9	Schanz → Mitterdorf in the Mürztal Valley	13.7 km	4:30 hours	346 hm	924 hm
10	Mitterdorf im Mürztal → Veitsch/Rotsohlalm	21.8 km	7.5 hours	1,250 meters of elevation gain	426 hm
11	Veitsch/Rotsohlalm → Mariazell	27.6 km	7.5 hours	840 hm	1,379 hm

Two routes starting from the Schanzsattel

At Schanzsattel near Fischbach, the Styrian Mariazell Trail splits into two different routes, both of which lead to the Mariazell Basilica.

Option A

Across the Hohe Veitsch (2 stages)
This more challenging route winds through impressive mountain landscapes and offers numerous panoramic views.

Stage 1: Fischbach (Schanzsattel) → Hohe Veitsch (35.8 km)
Stage 2: Hohe Veitsch → Mariazell (27.6 km)

Highlights include the Teufelstein, the Veitsch Pilgrimage Cross, the Wetterinalm, and the first glimpse of the Mariazell Basilica.

Total length: 63.4 km

Option B

Through Peter Rosegger's Waldheimat (3 stages)
This route winds through Peter Rosegger’s picturesque Waldheimat, combining cultural attractions with diverse natural landscapes.

Stage 1: Fischbach (Schanzsattel) → Krieglach (20.9 km)
Stage 2: Krieglach → Mürzsteg (25.9 km)
Stage 3: Mürzsteg → Mariazell (21.9 km)

Along the way, you'll see, among other things, Peter Rosegger's birthplace, the Mürzsteg hunting lodge, the Buchalpenkreuz, and finally the Mariazell Basilica.

Total length: 68.7 km

The rustic cabin on the Hohenauer Ochsenhalt

Sections in Almenland

Stages 6 and 7 of the Styrian Mariazellerweg trail pass through theAlmenland Naturpark Almenland are among the most scenic sections of the entire pilgrimage route.

Stage 6: Graz → Passail

33.7 km | approx. 11 hours

This stage leads from the provincial capital of Graz, past the Mariatrost Basilica and Graz’s local mountain, the Schöckl, into theAlmenland Naturpark . The destination is the idyllic market town of Passail, which is an excellent stopover with places to eat and stay overnight.

Highlights: Mariatrost Basilica, Schöckl, Passail

Stage 7: Passail → Fischbach (Schanzsattel)

31 km | approx. 10 hours

From Passail, the pilgrimage route first follows the course of the Raab River before beginning the ascent to the Hohenauer Ochsenhalt and continuing on to the Sommeralm. Passing the wind turbine, the trail leads to the historic Stroßeggwirt inn and the well-known Kreuzwiese, before reaching the Schanzsattel and leaving theAlmenland Naturpark Almenland .

Highlights: Raab Valley, Hohenauer Ochsenhalt, Sommeralm, Sommeralm Wind Turbine, Stroßeggwirt, Kreuzwiese, Schanzsattel

Places to Stop for Refreshments in Naturpark Almenland Naturpark

Along the Styrian Mariazellerweg trail in Naturpark Almenland Naturpark , numerous establishmentsAlmenland to stop in for a cozy break:

Stroßeggwirt Alpine Inn
Haberl Barn
Stoakogl Hut
Restaurants and Cafés in Passail

Accommodations in Naturpark Almenland Naturpark

For a multi-day hike, there are numerous lodging options available along the trail. These include, among others, the Zantschbach Bed & Breakfast, the Holzmeister Guesthouse and Campground, the Frankenhof Inn, and the Stoakogl Hut. The selection is rounded out by many other guesthouses, inns, and hotels in Naturpark Almenland Naturpark .

Thanks to the SAM Shared Taxi Service in Eastern Styria, you can also plan each leg of your journey flexibly. The shared taxi connects numerous towns and stops along the route, making it easier to get to and from your destination as well as to travel between the different legs of your journey.

Road Conditions

The Styrian Mariazellerweg trail runs primarily along well-marked hiking trails maintained by the Austrian Alpine Club, as well as along forest paths, logging roads, alpine pastures, and short paved sections. In Naturpark Almenland Naturpark , youAlmenland longer ascents—including those to the Hohenauer Ochsenhalt and the Sommeralm—as well as scenic high-altitude trails. Due to the length of the stages and the significant elevation gain, good physical conditioning, careful trip planning, and appropriate hiking gear are required.