Weinland Steiermark Radtour

The Weinland Steiermark Cycle Route offers a captivating journey through eastern and southern Styria's most celebrated wine regions. This circular tour connects the prestigious vineyards of three distinct wine-growing areas with cultural treasures, thermal spas, and culinary workshops. Beginning and ending wherever you choose, the route weaves through rolling wine hills, historic market towns, and Austria's largest apple-growing region, creating an immersive experience that engages all the senses.

The tour showcases Styria's remarkable diversity, from the internationally renowned white wines of South Styria to the unique Schilcher rosé of the western areas, and the volcanic terroir of the thermal spa country. Seven thermal baths along the route provide perfect opportunities for relaxation, while countless Buschenschänke (wine taverns) and artisanal producers offer authentic regional specialties from pumpkin seed oil to handcrafted chocolate.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty level: Moderate with short climbs in the east and gentle rolling terrain in the south
• Elevation profile: Generally flat to rolling with some hilly sections, highest point near Stiwoll
• Surface types: Predominantly well-maintained asphalt with occasional short gravel sections that can be bypassed
• Route type: Mix of dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads
• Recommended direction: Flexible due to circular nature, though Leibnitz provides excellent transport connections
• Recommended bike: Touring bikes, city bikes, or e-bikes ideal; road bikes not recommended due to gravel sections
• Certification: Marked with green signs featuring white text, plus additional Weinland Steiermark logos

Route Marking & Navigation

The route follows established Styrian provincial cycle paths, enhanced with hundreds of additional stickers and over 50 supplementary signs bearing the distinctive Weinland Steiermark logo. Navigation proves straightforward, with the familiar green signage system used throughout Styria's cycle network providing the foundation. The additional waymarking ensures clear direction through the wine country, connecting seamlessly with major routes including the Mur Cycle Path and EuroVelo 9.

Variations in signage density occur across different areas, with more concentrated marking around wine-growing zones and key junction points. The route occasionally shares pathways with local wine trails, providing additional navigation reference points for cyclists familiar with the wine areas.

Best Direction & Season

The circular design allows flexible starting points, though Leibnitz offers optimal transport connections with direct rail links and convenient parking at the municipal swimming pool complex. The circular route functions effectively in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction, with gradual elevation changes that rarely present significant challenges regardless of approach.

Optimal cycling seasons:

• April to October for full route access and warm weather
• Late spring (May-June) for apple blossom viewing in the eastern sections
• Early autumn (September-October) for harvest activities and ideal cycling temperatures
• Summer months offer thermal spa relief but expect higher accommodation demand

Main Stages & Highlights

The route divides naturally into eight manageable stages, each offering distinct character and local specialties. Flexibility remains key, as the abundance of accommodation and dining options allows for customized itineraries based on personal interests and fitness levels.

Leibnitz to Deutschlandsberg: Journey through the renowned Sausal wine area, passing traditional pumpkin seed oil mills and the scenic Sulm Valley. The historic wine school at Silberberg and optional challenging climb to Kitzeck, Europe's highest wine village, provide cultural depth.

Deutschlandsberg to Lieboch: The heart of Schilcher wine country unfolds through gentle rolling hills, culminating at magnificent Stainz Castle with its baroque architecture and dual museums. Traditional Buschenschänke offer authentic local cuisine.

Lieboch to Graz: A scenic approach to Styria's capital through the Liebach Valley, reaching the route's highest elevation near Stiwoll before descending to join the famous Mur Cycle Path for the final approach to the UNESCO World Heritage city center.

Graz to St. Ruprecht an der Raab: The challenging climb to Laßnitzhöhe spa town rewards cyclists with panoramic views before a delightful descent through Eastern Styria's garden landscapes, concluding in the historic town famous for its unique Käferbohne (scarlet runner bean) cuisine.

St. Ruprecht to Hartberg: Austria's largest apple-growing area unfolds through the Stubenberg Gorge, one of the country's most scenic cycle path sections, continuing past Herberstein Wildlife Park and Castle to the charming market town of Hartberg.

Hartberg to Bad Loipersdorf and Bad Radkersburg: The thermal spa country beckons with six different thermal facilities, each offering unique wellness experiences. The route passes through traditional wine villages and the historic fortress town of Fürstenfeld.

Bad Radkersburg to Leibnitz: The return journey follows the Mur River through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Mur wetlands, concluding the circle through South Styria's eastern wine areas and the charming border town atmosphere.

Key Attractions Along the Route

The route connects an impressive array of cultural, natural, and culinary destinations, ensuring varied experiences throughout the journey.

Historical Sites:

• Graz Old Town and Eggenberg Castle (UNESCO World Heritage sites)
• Stainz Castle with Hunting Museum and Agricultural Museum
• Deutschlandsberg Castle and Archeo Norico Museum
• Herberstein Castle and historic gardens
• Bad Radkersburg's Renaissance old town with southern European flair

Natural Attractions:

• Stubenberg Gorge and pristine lake for swimming and relaxation
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Mur wetlands
• Pöllau Valley Nature Park with traditional pear orchards
• Volcanic landscapes of the thermal spa country
• Numerous swimming lakes and natural pools throughout

Culinary Experiences:

• Styrian pumpkin seed oil mills with museum exhibits
• Zotter Chocolate factory showcasing artisanal confections
• Local vineyards offering wine tastings and tours
• Traditional Buschenschänke serving farm-fresh specialties
• Thermal spa area's famous Vulcano ham production

Culinary Highlights

Styrian cuisine reflects the area's position at the crossroads of Alpine and Mediterranean influences, with each wine-growing zone contributing distinctive specialties. The route provides exceptional opportunities to experience authentic local food culture through traditional taverns, artisanal producers, and seasonal farm shops.

Regional specialties to discover:

• Steirisches Kürbiskernöl: The area's liquid gold, dark green pumpkin seed oil with distinctive nutty flavor
• Schilcher wine: Unique rosé made exclusively from Blauer Wildbacher grapes in western Styria
• Käferbohne cuisine: Scarlet runner beans prepared in countless creative ways in St. Ruprecht
• Vulcano ham: Specially cured local specialty from the thermal spa country
• Apple specialties: Fresh fruit, juices, and schnapps from Austria's largest apple-growing area
• Hirschbirne products: Traditional pear varieties and preserves from the Pöllau Valley

Accommodation Options

The route benefits from extensive Bett+Bike certified accommodations, ensuring cyclist-friendly services throughout the journey. The well-developed tourism infrastructure of Styria's wine areas provides options for every budget and preference, from traditional countryside inns to modern spa hotels.

• Bett+Bike certified hotels and guesthouses: Offering secure bike storage, repair facilities, and hearty breakfasts
• Wine estate accommodations: Authentic experiences staying directly with wine producers
• Thermal spa hotels: Combining cycling adventure with wellness treatments
• Traditional countryside inns: Family-run establishments serving local cuisine
• Modern business hotels: Available in larger towns like Graz and Leibnitz
• Camping facilities: Several sites along the route, including the starting point in Leibnitz

Access & Transportation

Getting There

The route's circular nature and exceptional public transport connections make access remarkably convenient. Over 30 railway stations along the route connect to Graz's main hub, providing flexible entry and exit points. The comprehensive Verbund Linie transport network ensures reliable connections throughout the area.

Getting Back

Multiple railway lines radiating from Graz serve route towns, making it simple to divide the tour across multiple holidays or to adjust itineraries based on weather or personal schedules. The regional S-Bahn train network covers much of the route, offering bike transport services during off-peak hours.

Practical Considerations

The route's moderate difficulty level suits most cycling abilities, though the climb to Laßnitzhöhe presents the primary challenge for less experienced riders. This section can be bypassed using the parallel S-Bahn line, maintaining accessibility for all fitness levels. Short gravel sections, while avoidable via road alternatives, add character to the journey and suit touring bikes well.

Essential services and facilities:

• Bike shops available in all major towns along the route
• Repair stations with tools and pumps strategically positioned
• Abundant dining options from casual taverns to award-winning restaurants
• Tourist information centers providing route updates and local recommendations
• ATM and shopping facilities in most villages
• Medical facilities accessible in larger towns

Weather considerations prove generally favorable, with Styria's position south of the main Alpine chain providing more sunshine hours than northern Austrian areas. Summer temperatures can reach levels where thermal spa visits become particularly appealing, while spring and autumn offer ideal cycling conditions with fewer crowds.

Final Tips

The Weinland Steiermark Cycle Route rewards flexible planning and spontaneous discoveries. Allow extra time for unplanned stops at inviting wine taverns, artisanal workshops, and scenic viewpoints that make this journey memorable. The route's excellent infrastructure and signage reduce navigation stress, freeing cyclists to focus on the sensory pleasures of wine country cycling.

Consider obtaining the GenussCard, providing free admission to over 280 attractions throughout the areas the route traverses. The comprehensive public transport network makes it practical to explore side valleys and additional attractions beyond the main route, extending the adventure for those with extra time.