Over the Mountains - In the Middle of the City!

Accessible by public transport

Train (within 15 minutes walking distance from starting point)

Characteristics

Skill

Fitness

The tour in numbers

Level of difficulty easy

Route 12,7 km

Time 3:40 h

Uphill 304 hm

Downhill 304 hm

Highest point 501 m

Four city hills, varied trails and surprising stretches of nature right in the heart of Graz. This circular hike takes in Kalvarienberg, Reinerkogel, Rosenberg and Schlossberg, with scenic city views and a climb up the 350 steps of the Jakobsleiter staircase.

Four city hills, plenty of elevation gain and surprising stretches of nature make this circular hike through Graz a varied experience. The route covers just over ten kilometres, linking Kalvarienberg, Reinerkogel, Rosenberg and Schlossberg without ever leaving the city.

Starting and finishing at Graz's main square, the hike follows the Mur River before climbing through green spaces and quiet residential areas. Paved paths alternate with more natural trails, while the 350 steps of the Jakobsleiter staircase on Reinerkogel provide the most demanding climb. Along the way, several viewpoints offer impressive views across Graz.

Rosenhain is a good place to take a break and enjoy the view of Schlossberg, the final hill on the route. Combining urban surroundings with short, sometimes steep climbs, this hike requires no specialised hiking equipment.

Best season

January

February

March

April

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November

December

More information

As the hike starts and finishes at Hauptplatz, arriving by public transport is recommended.

The circular hike starts at the Weikhart Clock on Graz's main square, Hauptplatz. Follow Murgasse to Erzherzog-Johann-Brücke, cross the bridge and turn north along the right bank of the Mur River. The pavement soon gives way to an unpaved riverside path leading to Kalvarienberg.

From Kalvarienberg, retrace your steps for a short distance to Kalvarienbrücke and cross to the left bank of the Mur. Continue along Kettengasse and Robert-Stolz-Gasse to Grabengürtel, where the climb up Reinerkogel begins. Near a large villa, the route leads to the Jakobsleiter staircase, with 350 steep steps to climb. On the other side, a winding path descends the hillside.

Follow Saumgasse and Quellengasse uphill towards Rosenberg. Near Minoritenschlössel, continue along Panoramagasse to Rosenhain and Rosenhaincafé, which offers views of Schlossberg.

From Rosenhain, descend through Humboldtstraße and Wormgasse to the northern part of Stadtpark. Between the memorial at Paulustor and the Landessportzentrum sports centre, a quieter path climbs Schlossberg towards the Hackher-Löwe monument.

Descend via the steep Kriegssteig staircase to Schlossbergplatz. For a gentler alternative, follow the path past the Uhrturm clock tower towards Karmeliterplatz, then turn right shortly before the square and take the tunnel through Schlossberg to Schlossbergplatz. Return to Hauptplatz via Sackstraße.

Hiking boots, hiking poles if needed
Daypack with rain cover
Water bottle, lunch box and snacks
Light rain poncho and/or umbrella
Sun protection
First-aid kit
Mobile phone/GPS device

Café Rosenhain and Kreuzwirt on Rosenberg are ideal places for a break. The hike is also a fun challenge for children, as each of the four hills can be tackled separately. All sections are connected on foot, so no public transport is needed along the route.

Take the train to Graz Hauptbahnhof (main railway station), then a tram to Hauptplatz. From there, it is just a short walk to the starting point at the Weikhart Clock.
Timetables: www.busbahnbim.at

Free hiking maps and information:
Graz Region Tourist Board
Herrengasse 16
8010 Graz
T: +43 316 80750, info@regiongraz.at