Description
At the beginning of the hike, you can find a source of strength and peace in the unique Romanesque round church. From the main square in Scheiblingkirchen (370m above sea level) continue through the Höllgraben to Witzelsberg to the Heimkehrerkreuz. Then, through the forest to “Rehgartlkreuz”, over the Hartberg to the “Hubertuskapelle” (forest chapel), out to Gleißenfeld to the foot of the “Türkensturz”. At the first wooden arrow in the direction of Sollgraben, turn left and walk steeply up to the Türkensturz and over the Sollgrabenalm to Weingart. Then to Thernberg and back to Scheiblingkirchen.
The namesake of this varied hike, “Erzherzog Johann” or “Archduke Johann”, is appropriated for many things – it is here that its use is actually justified: in 1807 he bought Thernberg Castle and kept it for 20 years. He was the first to engage in fruit tree cultivation here, and he proved to be a benefactor of the village many times. A documentary about “Hanns der Ternberger” can be seen in the former sacristan’s house in Thernberg by appointment.
One contrast to this is the story of the fall of the Turks: in 1532, local peasants here chased a scattered group of mounted Turkish soldiers up the hill between Gleißenfeld and Seebenstein. In an attempt to escape, the Turks fell to their deaths over the rocky precipice. To commemorate this, the owner of the Seebenstein estate had an artificial ruin built on the hill in 1825.
Starting point of the tour
Scheiblingkirchen/ Parish Church
Destination point of the tour
Scheiblingkirchen/ Parish Church
Route description The “Erzherzog Johann” circular hiking trail – Scheiblingkirchen
We start at the church in the centre of Scheiblingkirchen, and walk left along the main road towards the railway station. At Reisenbauer, we turn right and then left onto the road under the motorway bridge. We now follow the road through the Höllgraben to Witzelsberg. In Witzelsberg, we turn left and, after about one kilometre, we branch off the road to the left onto the path. This leads us to the Rehgartlkreuz (481 m). From here, we continue to the right along the path to the Hartberg (510 m). Continuing straight ahead, we reach a road, which we follow for about a kilometre. Then we turn right towards “Hubertuskapelle” (forest chapel). Past the chapel, the path leads us down to Gleißenfeld. We follow the road through the village to the foot of the Türkensturz. At the first wooden arrow, we turn left up towards Sollgraben. The steep ascent leads us up to the “Türkensturz”. Via the Sollgrabenalm we go back down to Weingart and via Neustift to Thernberg. In Thernberg, after the “Erzherzog Johann”, we turn right onto Markt and keep to the right to get onto the hiking trail. The trail leads straight on via Innerschildgraben back to Scheiblingkirchen.
Directions
From Vienna: A2 – Seebenstein exit – B54 in the direction of Aspang/Pittental to Scheiblingkirchen.
From Graz: A2 – Exit Petersbaumgarten – B54 to Scheiblingkirchen.
Parking
Parking spaces are available at the main square in Scheiblingkirchen.
From Vienna or Graz via Wiener Neustadt take the regional train (direction: Aspang Markt) to Scheiblingkirchen- Warth station. From there, it is about a 7-minute walk to the starting point.
More information at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
