Karnerviertel: History and Travel Ideas

History of Karnerviertel

The name Karnerviertel refers to a historical division of the Mönichwald estate. In the 1770 census, the estate was divided into two sections: Karnerviertel and Schmiedviertel. The historical Karnerviertel emerged from the settlements of Saager-, Khärner- and Munichbauerrott. Thus, the division of the estate and the names of the three settlements belong to different layers of the same local history.

Churches and Historical Landmarks

The first church in Mönichwald was dedicated to Saint Peter in Munichwalde by Archbishop Eberhard II of Salzburg on December 17, 1163. Today’s Mönichwald parish church is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul and was built in 1716. The two dates refer to different historical milestones: 1163 to the first church, and 1716 to the construction of the present-day parish church.

The crooked plague cross in Breitenbrunn was built in the 16th century. It lies along the route from Waldbach towards Hochwechsel, linking a historical landmark with a specific point of reference along the way. Festenburg Castle also has a long history: it was built by the Lords of Stubenberg around 1200.

The Recreational Lake and Walking Paths in Mönichwald

Mönichwald Recreational Lake lies at the foot of the Wechsel Mountains at an elevation of around 600 metres and covers 7,500 square metres. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy pedal boating and stand-up paddleboarding there. The recreational complex also includes a beach volleyball court and an asphalt court; check their condition before your visit.

The “Joglland-Roas” runs along easy, flat walking paths beside the Lafnitz River and around Mönichwald Recreational Lake. The lake therefore offers water activities and facilities, alongside a signposted walking option. In the park in Mönichwald, a flower peacock invites visitors to enjoy the surroundings and linger.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

At the summit of Hochwechsel, there are numerous hiking and walking options, including a hut-to-hut hike from one alpine pasture hut to the next. The hike from Waldbach via Mönichwald continues through the municipality of Waldbach-Mönichwald to Festenburg Castle. This route connects the places mentioned in a specific hiking trail, while the castle’s history is a separate historical point of interest.

On a mountain bike, the “Der große Jogl” route passes through the Riegersberg district to Waldbach-Mönichwald, and specifically to the Mönichwald district. When planning, it is worth distinguishing the routes according to the activity you want to enjoy: the trails described on Hochwechsel and the hike to Festenburg are for walkers, while “Der große Jogl” is a mountain biking route.

Winter Activities and Seasonal Events

The Hochwechsellifte Mönichwald ski lifts offer family-friendly runs as well as ski and snowboard lessons for beginners. Lift operations and lessons are seasonal. At Rabl-Kreuz, the cross-country trails are groomed daily for classic skiing and skating. As this activity depends on snow, check the current conditions and trail grooming before setting out. Cross-country skiing equipment can be rented directly at the Rabl-Kreuz Hütte; confirm seasonal availability before your trip.

Another annual event in Mönichwald is the traditional Krapfenkirtag in July, featuring more than 100 different varieties of Krapfen. If you are planning your trip around it, check the exact event date for the year you will be travelling.

Discover more travel destinations: Hartberg, Vorau, Loipersdorf Bei Fürstenfeld, Söchau, Altenmarkt Bei Fürstenfeld, Neudau, Maierhofbergen, Sankt Stefan

For the broader travel overview: Hartberg-Fürstenfeld.