Description
From Feistritzsattel, the path gently ascends over alpine pastures (Schwaigen) to the 1743m high Hochwechsel with the Wetterkoglerhaus. At Hochwechsel, you can practically overlook the entire route of the alpannonia main trail: from the first stages in the Styrian mountains and from the Sonnwendstein to the Hungarian plain. With a view ahead towards Bernstein and the Günser Mountains, the route leads from the Wetterkoglerhaus via Niederwechsel and Steinerne Stiege to the Mönichkirchen alpine pasture. From there to the center of Mönichkirchen, you walk on the theme trail "Life Water," which also includes the scenic water park.
Tip: The last descent from the Mönichkirchen alpine pasture to the village can also be comfortably done with a scooter! Borrow at the mountain station and return at the valley station.
Starting point of the tour
Feistritzsattel state road
Destination point of the tour
Mönichkirchen
Directions
Via S6 to Gloggnitz, further via Otterthal to Trattenbach, or via A2 to Grimmenstein or Apang/Markt, Kirchberg am Wechsel, Trattenbach
Parking
best in Trattenbach, also possible at Feistritzsattel (note the poor mobile reception in the area)
by train to Gloggnitz, then by bus to Trattenbach
More info on arrival: Public arrival to the Vienna Alps
fahrplan.oebb.at, www.vor.at
Equipment
Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, bring sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140
Safety information
In bad weather, you are very exposed on the ridge path from Hochwechsel to Niederwechsel. As a variant, you can then take the lower path via the Vorauer Schwaig.
Proper behavior when encountering grazing animals:
www.alpannonia.at/verhaltenstipps-fuer-wandergaeste-auf-beweideten-almen
Make sure when choosing your route that it matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather forecast in advance. The weather in the mountains can change unexpectedly quickly. Therefore, always set off suitably equipped (e.g., rain protection).
Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit on the way are open. Inform someone about your route choice and planned return before you start.
Cross-border hiking trail: Remember to take a passport or ID card!
Map recommendations
alpannonia overview map, 1:160,000
alpannonia long-distance hiking book NEW, available from 3/19
freytag & berndt WK 021 Fischbacher Alps, 1:50,000
freytag & berndt WK 422 Wechsel, Bucklige Welt, Bernstein, 1:50,000
available here
