Wald am Schoberpass: Hiking, cross-country skiing and churches

Wald am Schoberpass is nestled between the Ennstal Alps and the Seckau Alps. Hiking and mountain tours, Nordic walking, cross-country skiing, the leisure lake and the local churches offer a variety of ways to enjoy a stay. Options range from the third stage of the Styrian Iron Trail to a mountain hike rated as moderately difficult. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether hiking, winter activities or local history should be the main focus.

Hiking and mountain tours

The third stage of the Styrian Iron Trail passes through Wald am Schoberpass. Another mountain tour leads to the Lahnerleitenspitze: it starts in Wald am Schoberpass and follows a route past the traditional Aigelsbrunner Alm mountain hut. Conditions on the tour and hut opening arrangements can vary; check both before setting out.

A moderately difficult mountain hike leads to the Großer Schober in the Seckau Tauern and offers views of the Palten-Liesing Valley. The tours offer different highlights: the Lahnerleitenspitze tour is defined by its starting point and passage by the hut, while the Großer Schober tour stands out for its difficulty rating and valley views. This makes it easier to choose between the destinations based on the type of mountain tour that interests you.

Wald am Schoberpass has an NWO-certified Nordic walking centre with special routes and courses based on Feng Shui principles. This offers a dedicated focus on exercise in the village alongside the mountain tours. The routes and courses add another specific aspect to trip planning, complementing the landscape between the two mountain ranges.

Cross-country skiing and getting here

The Wald am Schoberpass cross-country ski trail has three access points and interconnected circuits up to 10 kilometres long. It runs through the municipality of Wald to Unterwald; both classic cross-country skiing and skating are possible. The precise route may change as a result of trail maintenance, so it is advisable to check the route before skiing.

One access point to the trail is right by Wald am Schoberpass railway station. The station is on the regional rail line between Leoben and Selzthal. If you are planning to travel on this line, check the timetable for your travel date.

Leisure lake and local history

Swimming and active water-based fun are among the activities at Wald am Schoberpass leisure lake, whose water is of drinking-water quality. This adds a waterside option to the hiking and winter activities. Whether you are mainly interested in mountain tours, cross-country skiing, Nordic walking or the lake, these activities can help guide your search for the right place to stay.

The churches also form part of the village’s character. The parish church in Wald am Schoberpass is dedicated to Saint Cunigunde. The parish also includes the chapel of the Holy Mary in Liesinggraben, also known as “Our Lady of Sorrows.” It was built in 1843. The chapel’s name, dedication and year of construction give it a distinctive place in the village’s religious history.

The Protestant parish of Wald am Schoberpass was founded in 1786. It is the third Tolerance Community in Styria, after Ramsau and Schladming. The present Protestant church building and its tower were consecrated in 1850; the church is described as one of the oldest Protestant churches in the state. The founding date and construction date mark different milestones: the parish has existed since 1786, while the 1850 consecration refers to the present church building and its tower.

Discover more destinations: Hieflau, Kammern im Liesingtal, Leoben, Vordernberg, Trofaiach, Sankt Stefan ob Leoben, Sankt Peter-Freienstein, Sankt Michael in Obersteiermark

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