The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hartberg Umgebung

My pleasure tour every year, car to service and in the meantime a great MTB tour to the Ringkogel and of course with a stop at the nice landlady. A further ride to the Masenberg is recommended, everything is well signposted. The Glückskapelle and above it the summit cross, a true power spot. There is also a refreshment stop to strengthen you for the return journey. Then there is the possibility to go to Pöllauberg and back to Hartberg via the Pöllauberg cycle path, or with a few more meters of altitude, as shown in my tour profile, by crossing the ridge and along the back of the Ringkogel (east side) back to Hartberg. With a small round trip in the city center, cycling is allowed everywhere!! how nice! There is also wonderful Illy coffee, it was a successful, beautiful day.

The Masenberg at 1,262 m above sea level is the last high spur of the Central Alps towards the east. With its elongated mountain ridge, it separates the Vorau basin to the north and the Lafnitztal to the east.

This medieval hilltop castle was built in the 12th century by Gottschalk Schirling (from 1166 of Neitberg/Neuberg), son of Wulfing von Stubenberg, as a border fortress or "fighting castle" against the feared Hungarian armies and against all sorts of "pagan rabble" from the East.

The view from the top is really beautiful on a clear day, like we had.

The quality of the food served was very good!!!!

Hartberg is a fine town with just under 6800 inhabitants, known primarily for its historic buildings. The main square is the heart of the city, featuring the town parish church, the town hall, the Marian column, and many other historical buildings, all of which are under monument protection. You can really feel the long history when you walk through it. It's not particularly ugly when the sun's rays shine on the main square and people sit together in the beer gardens of the numerous inns and cafés. You can comfortably enjoy a cool beer or a Styrian cider and gaze at the magnificent buildings. The main square is practically the living room of Hartberg, where people meet and wind down the day. And the square isn't just lively at all times, no! Many events take place there. Whether festivals, markets, or cultural highlights, there's always something going on at Hartberg's main square. This is how tradition stays alive and connects the past with the here and now. Anyone visiting Hartberg should definitely take time to experience the charm and hospitable atmosphere in the middle of the historic ambience. It is a real tip for anyone who wants to feel a bit of Styrian cosiness.

In the heart of Hartberg stands a very special Marian column, the Immaculata, also known as the Frauensäule. It was designed by the gifted sculptor Christoph Hofstetter in 1675, a true Styrian work of art. It was donated by the proprietress Marie Grifin von Paar together with her daughter and son-in-law as a deeply felt expression of gratitude to the Holy Mary. The occasion was not just any, but the averting of the great Turkish danger that threatened our country at that time. In 1664, in the Battle of Mogersdorf, or Fehring, a significant blow was dealt to the Turkish armies. 150 wounded imperial soldiers were brought to Hartberg for care, a sign of solidarity and faith. The Immaculata with her 12-star wreath still looks down on the city today; this wreath of stars is even considered a model for the 12-star symbol of the European Union. Not only an artistic masterpiece, but also a spiritual symbol of the highest order. The elevated Madonna represents the plea for the maternal protection of heaven over our homeland. She reminds us to trust with confidence and humility in the intercession of the Mother of God. In times of danger and need, she is our Frauensäule, standing firm in faith and giving us strength. Thus, we live our Catholic faith with heart and love for our homeland, with the Immaculata as the eternal guardian of Hartberg.

At the town sign here, you will find this resting spot.