Stuben: Hiking and mineral water on the L20

Natural landscape and local history

Stuben is part of the Bernstein-Lockenhaus-Rechnitz European nature reserve. Within the wider travel region, the protected area encompasses the Bernsteiner and Günser mountains, with around 30 cadastral municipalities; large, continuous forest areas characterize the landscape. Thus, the forest landscape is part of the wider protected area, while Stuben, as part of the area, provides a specific local connection. The place name Stuben is thought to derive from a heated room that served as a place for border guards to stay. The origin of the name therefore offers a historical point of interest alongside the landscape and trail themes.

The L20 Healing and Mineral Water Trail

The L20 Healing and Mineral Water Trail runs from Stuben to Willersdorf; along the Stubenbach stream, it leads from Stuben to Rettenbach. It is a running, hiking and Nordic walking trail in the Running and Walking Arena. Along the trail, visitors can taste and compare natural mineral waters at three locations. The different activities define the scope for active pursuits, while the water stops add a specific tasting and comparison experience. If you would like to include this water-related aspect in your plans, check locally before your trip to see whether the water stops are accessible. Trail conditions and markings may change.

Trail sign on the Speckkammerl and Kienberg hike

On the Speckkammerl and Kienberg hike, after 20 minutes a trail sign points straight downhill to Stuben; to the right, the trail leads to Speckkammerl. The time indicates where the sign is located along the hike, while the two directions offer a choice between Stuben and Speckkammerl. Check the signs on site before following this route.

Cycling with route statistics

A moderately difficult road cycling tour runs from Bad Tatzmannsdorf via the Wenzelangersattel to Stuben. It is 45.5 km long and has 863 metres of elevation gain and loss. These figures offer different points of reference for planning: the difficulty rating classifies the tour as moderate, the distance specifies its length, and the elevation figures indicate the ascent and descent. Check the route details again before setting off, as they may be updated. The difference is clear when choosing an activity: the L20 focuses on running, hiking, Nordic walking and its mineral water stops; the other route is a road cycling tour with a specified distance and elevation gain and loss.

Regional craft traditions

In the wider region around Stuben, in the municipality of Bernstein, there is a unique worldwide deposit of noble serpentine. In the serpentine workshops there, craftspeople hand-make jewellery, decorative objects and everyday items from the vivid green noble serpentine. This craft tradition adds a distinct regional theme to the trail and nature conservation topics. For travellers who would like to explore local crafts as well as go hiking, it broadens the range of topics to include the working of a natural stone.

Discover more destinations: Eisenberg An Der Pinka, Markt Allhau, Rechnitz, Großpetersdorf, Loipersdorf-Kitzladen, Deutsch Schützen-Eisenberg, Pinkafeld, Bad Tatzmannsdorf

Return to the wider travel overview: Oberwart.